News Stories
UAFS News
Eighteen Years and Counting with Stephany Dobbins
Stephany Dobbins has called the Ï㽶ÊÓƵAPP home for the last 18 years. As coordinator for new student and family programs, she looks forward to welcoming students to the "Lion Family."
June 18, 2025
Nigel Otero: Turning Opportunities into Inspiration
When Nigel Otero came to the Ï㽶ÊÓƵAPP, he did so knowing it was an opportunity he wouldn't squander. Now, as an advising coordinator for the College of Business and Industry, he's working to inspire students to achieve...
March 31, 2025
First to go but not Alone
More than half of the students who attend the Ï㽶ÊÓƵAPP are first-generation or the first in their family to attend college. The First-Generation Student Success Committee features nearly 30 faculty and staff - many of whom...
March 19, 2025
UAFS Celebrates Graduates
The Ï㽶ÊÓƵAPP celebrated the 111th commencement ceremony on Saturday. Graduates from the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business and Industry, and Health, Education, and Human Sciences were awarded their degrees.
December 14, 2024
'I'm ready. I'm prepared.': How Braden Nguyen Leaves UAFS
Braden Nguyen, a senior psychology student at the Ï㽶ÊÓƵAPP, reflects on his time at UAFS and how the university has prepared him for whatever lies ahead.
December 06, 2024
First-Gen Staff Voices: Sydney Seegers
Sydney Seegers graduated from the Ï㽶ÊÓƵAPP in May 2023. As a first-generation student, it was an "opportunity to chase and achieve her dreams" and become a role model for her family. She gives back to UAFS and other first-generation...
November 04, 2024
UAFS Students Win Scholarships at Conclusion of Hispanic Heritage Month
Two Ï㽶ÊÓƵAPP students won $1,000 in scholarships at Salsa at the Bell Tower, the finale of Hispanic Heritage Month.
October 16, 2024
Family Weekend Slated Oct. 18-19
Students, families, and the Fort Smith community are invited to experience the campus on Family Weekend, Oct. 18-19, 2024.
September 25, 2024
New Students Join the Lion Pride with Mane Event
Mane Event - a new student orientation - returned to the Ï㽶ÊÓƵAPP for the second of three orientation sessions this summer. Students and families could also participate in the Spanish Track, which offered information in...
July 19, 2024
First-Generation Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Kerrie Taber
Dr. Kerrie Taber is an assistant professor of organizational leadership in the College of Business and Industry at the Ï㽶ÊÓƵAPP. As a first-generation student, Taber understands the challenges some of her students face...
May 03, 2024
What's the 4-1-1 on Graduation?
Spring commencement at the Ï㽶ÊÓƵAPP is one month away. Graduating students should know what they need to do before the ceremony and what they can access as UAFS alums.
April 11, 2024
First-Generation Student Spotlight: Jennifer Phelan
When Jennifer Phelan decided to return to the Ï㽶ÊÓƵAPP, she knew doing so as a first-generation non-traditional student would come with challenges. Through the support of her family, positive attitude, and enthusiasm, she...
April 03, 2024
First-Generation Staff Spotlight: Patricia Hurtado Perez
As a Hispanic first-generation student, Patricia Hurtado Perez, coordinator for the Upward Bound Math and Science program at the Ï㽶ÊÓƵAPP, struggled with unique challenges. However, she was undeterred along her path to...
April 02, 2024
First-Generation Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Janine Chitty
Before Dr. Janine Chitty began teaching English at the Ï㽶ÊÓƵAPP, she was a non-traditional first-generation student learning to navigate college. She now uses her experience to guide students facing similar challenges so...
March 01, 2024
Coming Full Circle with Yosey Cardenas
At the Ï㽶ÊÓƵAPP, education and social work academic advisor for the College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences, Yosey Cardenas, shares her story as a first-generation student and how she now uses that experience to...
February 09, 2024
First-Generation Student Spotlight: Hannah Boyett
Ï㽶ÊÓƵAPP first-generation graduate and grad school student Hannah Boyett discusses finding her success at UAFS in the classroom and on the court.
February 08, 2024
First-Gen Staff Voices: Spencer Ewing
Ï㽶ÊÓƵAPP sports and adventure coordinator Spencer Ewing shares his experience as a first-generation college student. His experience has led him to strive to help others in similar situations.
February 01, 2024
First Gen Voices: Mayeli Rivas
Ï㽶ÊÓƵAPP junior nursing student Mayeli Rivas sometimes feels like Mario jumping over barrels as a first-generation student at UAFS, but the support and encouragement from her family and UAFS staff has helped her achieve...
October 26, 2023Popular Topics
Media Relations
The UAFS Office of Communications fields all media inquiries for the university. Email Rachel.Putman@uafs.edu for more information.
Send%20an%20EmailRachel Rodemann Putman
- Director of Strategic Communications
- 479-788-7132
- rachel.putman@uafs.edu