Events | NewsSeptember 18, 2023

College Fair Coming to UAFS

Written By: Ian Silvester

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith will host a multi-institutional college fair for high school students and their families for the first time.

One of the jobs of the UAFS Office of Admissions is to connect with high school students as they prepare for what’s next in their educational journey. Admissions Advisor Maddie Hardwick said that through the office's work, her team has “noticed that smaller (high) schools in the area don’t go to college fairs or don’t host their own.” 

As a result, UAFS is hosting its first public college fair from 5-7 p.m. on Sept. 19 in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, Reynolds Room. Kaitlyn Sanson, Assistant Director of Admissions, said the time was strategically planned after school hours so that high school students could bring their family members along and be part of this family decision. Additionally, students can explore higher education options from other colleges and universities in attendance.

“While we want students to choose UAFS, we want to help each student find the best school for them even more,” Hardwick explained.

Hardwick emphasized that a college fair is the first step for many students to decide what’s best for them, but sometimes all it takes is stepping on campus to make the right choice, and events like this help make that happen.

“By hosting this college fair, more families will see just how great the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith really is,” Hardwick said. “Allowing students and families to see just a glimpse of our campus can help ease the nerves of deciding that UAFS is the best fit for them.”

Nearly two dozen colleges will be in attendance, giving students a chance to meet directly with colleges and universities from Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. The event allows UAFS to be a steward of higher education, sharing the opportunity to further the education of students among other institutions invested in preparing students for what lies beyond the classroom.

Sanson and the UAFS Admissions Office plan to make the UAFS College Fair and annual fall event part of the ArkACRAO college fair circuit.

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• College Fair
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