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ChancellorNovember 07, 2025

Campus Update, November 7, 2025

Written By: Terisa Riley

Dear students and colleagues,
 
Today's forecast truly is fantastic! You cannot beat a 76 degree day in November...so please take advantage of this beautiful campus to relax in a hammock, take a walk, do your homework out under one of our rotundas, etc.

Lion's Lair: Calling all entrepreneurs—If you are planning to participate in the Lion's Lair Business Plan Competition, please register today! Students can find additional details and must register at this link.  

Important Dates:

  • Business Plans are due Thursday, November 13, 2025 by midnight (submit to: lionslairFREEuafs)
  • Business Pitch Competition is Monday, November 17, 2025 at 3:00 PM in HS 113 (Pendergraft Health Sciences)

University of Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµAPP System: Over the past few weeks, we have had visits by UA System President Jay Silveria and Trustees Ed Fryar, Randy Lawson, and Judd Deere. It has been fantastic to share with all of them the important work we are doing to educate students at the University of Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµAPP - Fort Smith. They were particularly impressed by the Peak Innovation Center, Center for Economic Development, the Dental Hygiene Clinic, the Caldwell Nursing Simulation Lab, the radiography lab, and our new advanced manufacturing engineering lab. Thanks to everyone who provided tours and helped me to host this important group. 

Almost Maine: Last night, my husband, Dr. Ricardo Maestas, and I had the opportunity to see the UAFS Department of Music and Theatre's performance of Almost Maine, a romantic comedy that explores nine sets of relationships in relatable, poignant, funny ways. The acting, lighting, sets, and sound were exceptional, and I encourage everyone to go tonight or tomorrow night at 7 p.m. in Breedlove Auditorium. The show is free for employees and students, but you need to reserve your tickets here

Season of Entertainment: On the heels of an outstanding performance of the Fall Choral Showcase and Woodwind Ensemble Showcase, we have many upcoming music performances such as the Wind Ensemble on November 11 at 7 p.m. At the ArcBest Performing Arts Center and the Orchestra Concert on Thursday, November 13 at 7 p.m. In Breedlove Auditorium. 
 

 Our team will close out their home games this weekend with games tonight at 6 p.m. and tomorrow at 1 p.m. Tonight is Military Appreciation Night during which we will honor Veterans and active duty service members, and we are proud to say that Vice Chancellor Carey Tucker (Air Force Colonel retired) is one of the special honorees and he will be joined by Jade Carry, Army Specialist and student worker in our Student Veterans Office. Tomorrow is Senior Day during which we will honor our graduating seniors. Games are free for employees and students with a UAFS ID.

Student Government Association Open Forum: Students, please mark your calendars to attend the SGA Open Forum on Wednesday, November 12 from 4:00-5:30 p.m. in the Windgate Auditorium. During the forum, university administrators will be present to respond to student questions and to work with SGA to create a fantastic environment on campus for all students.
 
Food Giveaway: Thanks to all who participated in our food giveaway this week, but especially to Meighan Pendergrass, Dave Stevens, Ashley Goodson, Wesley Hooks, Dyllan Newell, Jostun Pomplun, Katie Beineke, Curtis Janz, Jennifer King, Kathryn Janz and LOTS of amazing students who volunteered to make the event a success. We provided 200 boxes with nonperishable foods and 2 pounds of hamburger for each person/family who participated. Please continue to watch for the registration information for our Thanksgiving food giveaway later this month.
 
Many, many thanks to the UAFS Men's Basketball Team and Coach Zane Gibson. We have a special video treat coming out next Tuesday so keep your eyes peeled to the UAFS Lions and UAFS Athletics social media accounts. If you aren't following me on social media, please do: @terisariley on Instagram, X, Snapchat, Twitch, Discord, and LinkedIn, @terisarileymaestas on Facebook. I often post about university activities and events as well as about things happening in the River Valley. You are likely to see my three cats, seven kids, and four grandkids in my posts, too!
 
Have a fantastic weekend, Lions.
 
As always, I am so grateful to be your chancellor.
 
Terisa Riley
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