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Carol Hill, center, accepts the Lucille Speakman Excellence Award with her son, Derek, and daughter, CarolAnn
Bell TowerLion Voices

Campus Becomes Family Legacy for Carol Hill and Her Children

Many people describe the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith as "a family." For Carol Hill, it really is. She has worked at UAFS for more than 20 years and is joined by her son and daughter on campus.

May 01, 2026
Portrait of Megan Nichols, '15.
AlumniBell TowerBusiness and Industry

Foundation Forged in Fort Smith

Megan Nichols, '15, has been climbing the banking ladder since she was a student at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith. Her successful foundation was established in Fort Smith before she pursued an opportunity in Dallas.

May 01, 2026
Jarren McAllister dribbles down the court at Stubblefield Arena during a UAFS men's basketball game.
AthleticsBell Tower

Cementing History on the Hardwood

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith men's basketball team wrapped up one of its best seasons as a D-II program, including a Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association tournament appearance for the first time, and ranking as high as No....

May 01, 2026
Portrait of Dr. Susan DeWoody
AlumniBell Tower

Borrowing Belief: The Leadership Journey of Susan DeWoody

Susan DeWoody came to the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, then Westark College, as a first-generation student. She left with the tools needed to succeed and help others, eventually becoming the first female provost at Oklahoma Baptist University...

May 01, 2026
Logo for The Compass Report
Bell TowerCenter for Economic Development

UAFS, Talk Business & Politics Partner on Compass Report

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith partners with Talk Business & Politics on a statewide report called The Compass Report. Student interns work with Kendall Ross, UAFS associate vice chancellor of Economic and Workforce Development, to compile...

May 01, 2026
Bell TowerCommunityGiving

The Civic Duty of Ben Shipley

Ben Shipley discusses his civic responsibility and duty to give back to the community by way of supporting the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith.

May 01, 2026
Brenda Fredriksen, 24, runs down the court to assist her teammate during a close basketball game.
AlumniAthleticsBell Tower

Fredriksen Family Leaves Lasting Mark

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith has been at the center of Brenda Fredriksen's and her family's lives for two generations.

May 01, 2026
Fanny Wesley, center, was the first Black cheerleader at UAFS. At the 2026 Homecoming, she posed with the current UAFS Cheer team.
AlumniAthleticsBell Tower

Breaking Barriers without Knowing It

Fanny Wesley experienced a lot of firsts in her life. One of the most impactful was when she attended the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, then Westark College, and became the first Black cheerleader and first Black woman on the homecoming court.

May 01, 2026
Chukwukere Ekeh poses in front of a firehouse door. Courtesy Jesh Anies
Bell TowerBusiness and Industry

Alum and Athlete Builds a Career Without Limits: Q&A with Chukwukere Ekeh

UAFS alum Chukwukere Ekeh sat down for a question-and-answer following a recent trip back to the university to talk to students, faculty, and staff.

February 27, 2026
Man outside in winter, holding an eagle with one wing extended
AlumniBell Tower

A Feather in his Cap: The Life and Career of Dr. Charles Preston

University of Arkansas – Fort Smith alum Dr. Charles “Chuck” Preston, 40 years into his biology career with no signs of slowing, has educated millions of people and upended the way visitors experience natural history museums.

October 18, 2024
Costumed mascots of MIAA teams at the pitcher's mound
AthleticsBell Tower

Day at the K Brings Old Friends and New

The beginning of fall athletics marked the start of the inaugural season for the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association.

October 17, 2024
11 students outside at a national park
Arts and SciencesBell Tower

Finding a Future in the Forest

Dr. Maurice Testa, associate professor of geoscience, knows natural talent when he sees it. And when he looked at Perla Romero three years ago, he saw it.

October 17, 2024
Two men in graduation regalia
Bell TowerBusiness and Industry

Double Dose of Graduation

It wasn’t a clerical error when Joshua Merritt’s name was listed twice as a graduate during the 2024 spring commencement at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith.

October 17, 2024
Man and woman on the water at sunset
Bell TowerBusiness and Industry

CBI Grad Shares Wisdom to Make a Difference

Sunshine Bartlett, UAFS class of 2011, stays busy. She is a senior vice president and human resources manager at Arvest Bank in Fort Smith. She graduated – Summa Cum Laude – from a three-year program at Barret School of Banking in Memphis. She...

October 16, 2024
Two men outside
Bell Tower

Why We Give: Hadley Family

In 2014, the Hadley family endowed a scholarship for employees who have worked at their McDonald’s restaurants for six months or longer.

October 16, 2024
cheer team members in knee-deep ocean water
AthleticsBell Tower

From the Sidelines to the Main Stage

In the first game of the fall athletic calendar – a volleyball home and conference opener on Sept.28 – spectators had a chance to see the national championship UAFS cheer team.

October 16, 2024
two women sit at a desk
Bell Tower

The Writing on the Wall

If there’s one thing she could tell students, Dr. Mary Lutze, director of the Writing Center would say: “Anyone’s writing can be improved with instruction. Even I use the Writing Center.”

October 16, 2024
Male student working at the Peak Innovation Center
Bell Tower

Preparing to Enter College on the Best Footing

At the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, leaders know that first-generation college students, especially those who face economic hardship, must prepare for college long before they are eligible for Cub Camp.

October 16, 2024
people throwing small plush toys
AthleticsBell TowerEvents

Return of Toy Toss

In 2023, a beloved tradition made its way back to the Stubblefield Center as plush lions, tigers, and bears covered the floor of the Gayle Kaundard Arena.

October 16, 2024
New female dean surrounded by students
Arts and SciencesBell Tower

New Dean Returns to Academic Roots

Dr. Toni Alexander has a clear vision about what college should be.

October 15, 2024

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Media Relations

The UAFS Office of Communications fields all media inquiries for the university. Email Rachel.Putman@uafs.edu for more information.

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Rachel Rodemann Putman

  • Director of Strategic Communications
  • 479-788-7132
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