News Stories
Â鶹´«Ã½ News
Injury to Comeback: Brian O’Connor Leads Â鶹´«Ã½ Athletes Back in the Game
Athletics at the Â鶹´«Ã½ have been successful over the years thanks to coaching and talent, but it's the team behind the scenes that ensures student-athletes are healthy and able to compete.
July 07, 2026
Tinkering with Nearly 50 Years of Engineering
Dr. Randle Overbey has spent his entire professional career centered around engineering. After more than two decades in the natural gas industry, he began teaching Â鶹´«Ã½ students electronics and electrical engineering since 1988.
July 07, 2026
The ‘-Gist’ of Biology: Jason Ortega Inspires Next Generation of Scientists
Dr. Jason Ortega, assistant professor of biology, is helping shape the next generation of scientists, both inside and out of the classroom at Â鶹´«Ã½.
June 30, 2026
Spirit of Success Starts with Advising
Kayla McIntosh, director of the ROAR first-year advising center, believes Â鶹´«Ã½ fosters a spirit of success for all students and that it all starts with helping students get off on the right foot through advising.
June 29, 2026
Campus Becomes Family Legacy for Carol Hill and Her Children
Many people describe the Â鶹´«Ã½ as "a family." For Carol Hill, it really is. She has worked at Â鶹´«Ã½ for more than 20 years and is joined by her son and daughter on campus.
May 01, 2026
'Eyes of Healthcare' Grad Plans to Take Skills to the Night Shift
Callea Stewart will graduate from the Â鶹´«Ã½ with her associate's degree in imaging sciences and radiography on May 16. She has accepted a job at Mercy Fort Smith as an X-ray technician, where she is excited...
April 30, 2026
Second Chance Scientist
When Christopher Edwards first came to the Â鶹´«Ã½, he wasn't sure what he wanted to do with his life. After dropping out and spending nearly a decade in the workplace, he realized a change was needed. He returned to Â鶹´«Ã½...
April 13, 2026
Home is Where the Art Is
A Â鶹´«Ã½ associate professor of art, Peter Cullum, shares the importance of art and how it has shaped who he is and how he teaches students.
March 30, 2026
An Appreciative Return to the Fort
Beck Pair, an administrative assistant for the Department of Human Sciences, grew up in Fort Smith but left to attend college. After a job opened at the Â鶹´«Ã½, they returned home with a new appreciation for their hometown...
March 26, 2026
From Seoul to Fort Smith: Research and Teaching Remain Constant
With nearly 50 years of experience as an educator and researcher, Dr. Bun Song Lee, an associate professor of economics at the Â鶹´«Ã½, has no plans to slow down and make a global impact with his work.
February 23, 2026
Closing Higher Ed Chapter for Retirement
Janet Miller, a financial aid advisor at the Â鶹´«Ã½, reflected on her nearly 30-year career helping students find ways to fund their college experiences.
February 18, 2026
Tracie Griffith’s Unretirement – Putting Students First
When Tracie Griffith left the classroom after more than 20 years as a K-12 teacher, she realized something was missing. It was students. In her first year at the Â鶹´«Ã½, she is finding that she's still making a difference...
February 05, 2026
Lifetime in Healthcare Spurs Education
The Â鶹´«Ã½'s Master of Healthcare Administration program is led by Dr. Cheryl Holden, the executive director, who joined Â鶹´«Ã½ after more than four decades of healthcare experience.
February 04, 2026Advancing Â鶹´«Ã½ Through Relationships: Kara Crowley
Kara Crowley, associate director of philanthropy and engagement, benefited from scholarships to earn both her bachelor's and master's degrees debt-free. In her role at the Â鶹´«Ã½, she helps donors establish that same...
December 19, 2025
First-Generation Student Spotlight: Erika Johnson
Erika Johnson always knew she wanted to go to college, but she didn't always feel she had the tools to succeed. By always being willing to ask questions and for help, Erika found a home at the Â鶹´«Ã½.
December 10, 2025
A Change of Heart
A heart condition was found in Seth Fields, a senior at the Â鶹´«Ã½, while he was in high school. The medical scare has influenced his future career, as he will graduate from Â鶹´«Ã½ this fall and plans to attend medical...
December 10, 2025
Alex Dotulong Turns Artist360 Grant Into Creative Momentum
When Â鶹´«Ã½ student Alex Dotulong applied for an Artists 360 grant last year, he hoped he’d earn some of the funds needed to upgrade his aging computer. Now that his award year comes to a close, he says the award actually gave him much more.
December 03, 2025
First-Generation Student Spotlight: Hannah Seal
Hannah Seal, a dental hygiene student, overcame the death of her mom while in elementary school to become the first member of her family to attend college right after high school. By attending the Â鶹´«Ã½, she can stay...
December 02, 2025
Just One More Chapter: Dr. Kristin Tardif
Dr. Kristin Tardif, professor of organizational leadership, found a second calling as a teacher, and the Â鶹´«Ã½ has been her home since 2015. After a childhood spent across the globe and a fulfilling career at Nestlé,...
November 24, 2025
A Computing Calling: Mary Miller
Mary Miller, PC systems analyst, came to the Â鶹´«Ã½ in 2011 after trusting her instincts to follow a career in computing in 1987. She is the behind-the-scenes hero ensuring all technology at Â鶹´«Ã½ is operational for student...
November 12, 2025Popular Topics
Media Relations
The Â鶹´«Ã½ 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