UAFS Chancellor's Report 2024

To our incredible community,

It is my honor to present the Chancellor’s Report for the 20232024 academic year. As many of you know, last year we launched a new five-year strategic plan, and with it, a promise to keep our community informed of our progress. This report is one of many ways we plan to share the incredible work of our campus with all of you. The power of our mission to support social mobility and drive economic growth in the River Valley has never been more visible.

This year, UAFS continued to stand out as an institution that offers exceptional education to every student ambitious enough to seek it. Our 1,664 graduates, who earned more than 1,900 credentials this academic year, demonstrate the grit and dedication our region has fostered for nearly 100 years.

And for the 52% of our graduates who are first-generation students, their tenacity is not just shown in earning their degrees, but also in paving the way for future generations.

We know that to continue bringing this transformative education to our region, we must stay accessible. We are proud to offer the most affordable four-year tuition rate in Arkansas, and comprehensive financial aid packages, coupled with generous scholarships from the UAFS Foundation, ensure that more than 95% of our students receive the support they need to pursue their academic goals.

Our partnerships with local and international businesses highlight the real-world impact of our programs. The investment in our students and faculty from industry leaders means that our curriculum stays cutting-edge and relevant. This year, we have worked to develop new degree programs in advanced manufacturing and nursing, begun an expansion of the Windgate Art and Design building, and fostered deep engagement in the study of data science and artificial intelligence.

The stories of resilience and determination from our students inspire us every day. From my office window, I see students crossing campus with resolve and passion. They walk toward their future fearlessly, knowing that here at UAFS, anything is possible. Comprehensive support provides critical assistance to students facing unforeseen emergencies, so financial obstacles do not become impasses.

Our dedication to academic support is demonstrated in the extensive resources available, from TRIO programs and the Academic Success Center to the Writing Center and the Babb Center for Career Services. These efforts are designed to provide a seamless transition to college and encourage long-term academic and professional success.

Looking ahead we remain committed to building an ecosystem where every student can thrive. The generous support from our donors plays a crucial role in this endeavor. Their contributions not only enhance our physical spaces and scholarship funds, they also drive innovation in teaching and learning.

Thank you for your continued support and belief in our mission. Together, we are shaping a future where UAFS leads in opportunity and excellence.

Sincerely,

Terisa Riley, Ph.D. Chancellor, University of Arkansas - Fort Smith

Latitude: 35.38354, Longitude: -94.37466

The UAFS campus, founded in 1928 and located at 5210 Grand Ave., extends across 170 acres. Its 46 buildings boast 10,916 square feet of laboratory space, demonstrating the university’s emphasis on hands-on learning.

MISSION STATEMENT

UAFS empowers the social mobility of its students and the economic growth of the River Valley through exceptional opportunities and robust community partnerships.

The Donald W. Reynolds Bell Tower is located in the heart of the campus.

MISSION-DRIVEN FOCUS

The clearest way we live out our mission is through the more than 1,600 graduates who cross our commencement stage each year. These graduates leave our campus with brighter futures ahead, and because more than half of our students are the first in their families to attend college, they are also charting a course of possibility and potential for generations to come.

Though our students come to UAFS from across the globe and from a wide array of backgrounds, more than 60% hail from Sebastian and Crawford counties. They believe in this place. When they begin building their careers, opening their businesses, and growing into leaders and innovators, many of them decide to do so right here in the River Valley.

Credentials awarded this academic year

Master’s degrees awarded this year

Students who are non-traditional

And our most popular majors align directly with the needs of the River Valley, with business administration, nursing, organizational leadership, biology, computer science, psychology, elementary education K-6, and engineering topping the charts.

More than half of all UAFS students are Pell Grant eligible, an indicator of the most extreme financial need, so we take great pride in knowing in addition to offering the most affordable four-year tuition rate in Arkansas, more than 95% of our students also receive financial aid through grants and scholarships.

Percentage of students who Percentage of students who are the first in their families to attend college

Percentage of full-time students receiving financial aid

Percentage of students who identify as Hispanic

“College is a time to reinvent yourself, to grow and build, to embrace new challenges, and to become the person you are meant to be. UAFS made all of that possible for me, and I can’t wait to help new students to see their own potential here in my new role as an advisor in the UAFS admissions office.”

Kendrix Holcomb

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

tudents are at the heart of our work, so we prioritize our students’ access to the best and most valuable educational opportunities while supporting them so they can succeed. Holistic support isn’t the exception at UAFS; it’s the norm.

Our Federal TRIO Student Support Services programs, both traditional and STEM, help UAFS students who are firstgeneration, low-income, or disabled earn their degrees by providing coaching and mentorship as well as opportunities for academic, personal, and professional development. Our Academic Success Center (ASC) provides peer tutoring and academic coaching to all students, and our Student Disability Services office facilitates accommodations to ensure all students succeed at UAFS.

The Writing Center helps students, faculty, and staff improve written work at every level. Since its opening in 2020, the center has been visited over 16,000 times, providing support and tutoring to writers throughout our community.

And because we know that successful college careers often begin much earlier than the first semester, we make a tremendous effort to engage our high school students both on and off campus. This academic year, more than 1,300 high school students received college credit at UAFS through concurrent partnerships on campus and at the PEAK Innovation Center. Some of these particularly ambitious concurrent students earned certificates of proficiency as young as 15 and associate degrees by 18.

Upward Bound Classic and Math Science bring high school students to campus outside of their class time to learn the life, study, and academic skills they will need to be successful in college, while the Summer Academy exposes students to the coursework they will encounter in their upcoming year so neither their grades nor their confidence slips.

1,372

High school students who received concurrent and early admission credit 2023-2024

High school students in Upward Bound Classic and Upward Bound Math Science annually 124

High school students who participate in Summer Academy annually 80+

Students served by TRIO, TRIO STEM, the ASC, Student Disability Services, and the Writing Center this academic year

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Anaccessible education has always been a priority at UAFS, but even with our incredible scholarship packages and a low out-of-pocket cost, many of our students are still just one setback away from stopping out.

Food and necessity bags distributed by pantry since it opened in 2020

Recently, Jennifer Holland, executive director of student retention, shared the story of Trittany Young, a passionate student who knew her calling was working with children. A lifetime of hearing “you can’t” made her think she couldn’t succeed in the elementary education program at UAFS, but eventually, she listened to her heart and applied to the School of Education. Trittany was thriving, earning high marks and feeling fulfilled to be pursing her dream. But a month before her final year, she learned her federal funding had run out. She was resigned to sitting out while she saved enough to pay her bill, but UAFS is nimble enough to meet students where they are. “We awarded Trittany a finish grant and helped her apply for some scholarships,” Holland explained. “She made a financial commitment, too, and she was able to finish the fall semester with all As.” Trittany was in awe of the support and the timing. “Within 24 hours I was going to college again.” Now, Trittany is a new graduate, looking forward to teaching fifth grade reading. We know she will be telling students, “You can!”

Trittany’s story is one we hear often at UAFS. For many students a medical bill, car repair, or home emergency can become an insurmountable financial obstacle. We established the Student Emergency Assistance Program to step in for these students, providing enough help to get them over the hurdle.

Hunger, too, can be a significant barrier to learning, so the Dave Stevens Lion Pride Pantry and snack stations across campus provide our students with food, school supplies, and necessities whenever and wherever they need them.

Holiday boxes distributed since 2020 470 Volunteer hours served at the pantry since 2020 1,303

$20,000 23

Aid provided by the Student Emergency Assistance Program this year

Students assisted by the Student Emergency Assistance Program this year

CAREER SUPPORT

The Babb Center for Career Services mentors students and alumni in everything from creating a compelling resume to participating in a successful interview – even helping them find professional clothes for their job interviews at their Suit Up events.

This year, a $1 million gift from Doug and Kathy Babb endowed a new program that will enable the Babb Center to partner with area businesses to offer premier paid internships to students and empower non-profits to hire short term interns for paid project-based assignments.

Staff at the Babb Center work around the clock to ensure every student has the tools they need to succeed in the workforce. During the 2023-2024 academic year, they reviewed and posted 725 resumes and hosted career networking events attended by 560 students.

The Babb Center administers surveys using NACE First Destination standards to understand postgraduation outcomes. Our 20222023 class saw more than 90% of graduates working full- or part-time, continuing their education, or serving in military or voluntary service. These outcomes demonstrate our mission of empowering social mobility

Students who attended events sponsored by the Babb Center for Career Services this academic year

Faculty and staff who presented at professional conferences this year 120+

Faculty who received mini-grants for research and development 339

Faculty who provided exceptional education to students

Staff who supported the student experience

Faculty and staff who participated in the Lion Leadership program

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Excellence is at the heart of what we do. Our vision to become a university that provides exceptional education to the students we serve begins by investing in the people who educate them. Thanks to an incredible $500,000 gift from First National Bank and Citizens Bank & Trust, we have established a Center for Teaching and Learning that will revolutionize our approach to teaching and provide continuing education and professional development to our faculty and staff.

A careful mix of program offerings is designed to help our students graduate with the tools they need to take the next step in their lives. Students can choose from more than a hundred credentials: 55 certificates, 17 associate degrees, 33 bachelor’s degrees, and two master’s degrees.

The coursework for each of these 107 credentials involves experiential learning. From research to clinicals, our faculty work incredibly hard to make sure UAFS students have the best possible experience in the classroom, the lab, and the field. To help faculty do this work, the university awards mini grants to fund unique and important research and creative activity.

And Lion Leadership, now in its third year, offers emerging faculty and staff leaders the opportunity to participate in a year-long professional development program. By investing in the next era of campus leadership, we ensure our commitment to excellence extends well into the future.

Funding from First National Bank and Citizens Bank and Trust to launch the Center for Teaching and Learning this year

Our dedication to academic excellence plays out in several signature programs as well. Expert faculty work hand in hand with industry partners to ensure graduates are ready to begin their careers the moment they cross the graduation stage and to become leaders in their fields.

Our Art & Design program brings cutting-edge facilities, experienced professional artists, and a diverse academic curriculum together to support the cultural landscape of Fort Smith. Our art and design graduates create public installations and private commissions, design products and packaging, create marketing and media, and bring beauty to every facet of the River Valley and the world.

We know that Advanced Manufacturing is a dominant employment sector, with 17,286 River Valley residents – significantly above the national average – working in the field. For nearly as long as this university has existed, it has served the innovators of the manufacturing world. Over the past year, we’ve taken that service to the next level, working directly with industry leaders to develop new degree programs that reflect the latest advancements in smart manufacturing, mechatronics, and engineering. Our curriculum is designed not only to educate but also to revolutionize the approach to manufacturing challenges by equipping students with the skills needed for the present and the future.

Late last year, our partners at ABB announced a $1 million investment to begin launching a Center for Advanced Manufacturing, and we hope to accept our first class of manufacturing engineers in 2025.

The state-of-the-art Windgate Art and Design building empowers students to explore innumerable disciplines of artistic practice, including graphic design, sound and audio design, photography, sculpture, printmaking, and book arts. The building’s galleries showcase international exhibitions alongside student and faculty works, bringing thought-provoking art to our campus and community. And the next phase of the building’s expansion has just begun, furthering community collaboration.

Health Care Education at UAFS is built on a legacy of excellence, serving the region’s critical health needs for decades. Our robust academic programs boast near-perfect job placement and licensing pass rates for graduates. Strong partnerships with Baptist and Mercy hospitals, alongside collaborations with regional medical providers, create clear educational pathways for nursing students at every level. Our faculty at the Peak Innovation Center inspires high school students to become licensed practicing nurses while they are still in high school, and our new associate degree in nursing will allow those LPNs to become RNs in just two years. Comprehensive clinicals prepare all students enrolled in our eight healthcare programs from dental hygiene to radiography to provide exceptional patient care.

In line with the demands of our regional employers, Data Science is one of our fastest growing fields of study. In today’s data-driven world, the ability to analyze and leverage data is essential across sectors from healthcare to finance, retail to logistics. Computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning have the potential to revolutionize industries, enhance decisionmaking, and improve patient outcomes. This spring, we hosted our first Symposium on Artificial Intelligence, where faculty and students presented to a standing-roomonly auditorium. Our programs train future professionals who are not only technically proficient but also creatively adept at solving real-world problems, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical applications.

Through our work in the College of Health, Education and Human Sciences, we aim to lead healthcare education into the future, addressing Arkansas’ most pressing health challenges and empowering more graduates to enter and advance in the field.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Center for Economic Development provides a valuable example of the relationship between the university and the community. By providing professional training for area employers and entrepreneurs, the CED brings first-rate education to the heart of downtown Fort Smith.

The CED is located in the Bakery District – a lively and sprawling multiuse space in the former Shipley Baking Company – and comprises the Center for Business and Professional Development (CBPD), the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC), and the Jim Walcott Family Enterprise Center (FEC).

The CBPD offers courses with prepared curriculums and specially developed proprietary training for workers from the factory floor to the C-Suite. This year, 97 unique companies have upskilled their employees thanks to these trainings.

The ASBTDC works with small businesses at every stage, from the earliest brainstorming and research phases to creating succession plans. Its work with entrepreneurs has helped 36 new businesses open, 21 of which are women and minority-founded. It has also held 36 public workshops, including events tailored to veterans and active-duty entrepreneurs, and workshops hosted in multiple languages.

The Jim Walcott FEC addresses the unique needs of the state’s family-owned businesses. The center’s primary goal is to foster learning across generations, bridging gaps between family and non-family professional managers and engaging family members not directly involved in the enterprise. The center offers access to practical educational programs and resources, and provides its members with a community of fellow family business owners who can share their expertise, challenges, and experiences in confidence.

Training Events held at the CBPD this year 98

318

Clients served by the ASBTDC this year

$11.2 million

Economic impact of ASBTDC startups

52

Member organizations in the FEC

Individuals trained at the CED this year

“The Center for Economic Development is the heart of the River Valley, driving both economic vitality and workforce growth. Through its dedication to empowering local workers and fostering strong partnerships with businesses, it nurtures a community where dreams can flourish, and prosperity is shared.”

Kendall Ross, Associate Vice Chancellor for Economic & Workforce Development

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The UAFS Office of Campus and Community Engagement fosters involvement through relationships and connections, leadership development, and diverse co-curricular programming. More than a thousand events each year bring the world to our campus. From Block Party to Lions Community Outreach Day, Howdy Dance to Haunted University, there’s truly always something to do.

Our seven fraternities and sororities and philanthropic groups like LionHeart are constantly investing in the River Valley. Our cultural clubs and artistic organizations celebrate our diverse community. Nearly a hundred student organizations, from Geology Club to the Council of Steppers, support the varied interests of our student body.

Through campus clubs and organizations, students have the chance to build relationships and serve in leadership positions. They celebrate and honor their heritage and experience others through ten cultural clubs that boast hundreds of members. Nine faith-based organizations build communities of belief.

Events hosted on campus each year

The UAFS Democracy Project teaches the student body to challenge complacency and become informed citizens. It hosts the Mayor’s State of the City Address each year in collaboration with the city of Fort Smith and the Mayor’s Office. Its Political Lion series hosts state and national candidates for on-campus debates each election season to bring politics to campus. It holds four Constitution Week events in the fall and four Martin Luther King Jr. events in the spring, aiming to deepen students’ understanding of the American legislative and judicial systems.

120

Cultural events on campus annually

200

Fraternity and sorority members in 2024

94

Registered Student Organizations in 2024

40

Traditions celebrated in the UAFS Alumni Traditions Keeper guide

ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENT

Athleticsare often called the front porch of an institution, and our students take that honor seriously. Whether Turning the Town Teal or high-fiving elementary school students on Fridays, our studentathletes aren’t just playing hard; they’re serving hard too.

Talking about her role on the UAFS cheer team - which won its fifth National Championship in April - Kylie Cumbie said her opportunity to be a team captain allowed her to “learn how to motivate others and what it really means to be a leader and to serve others. From cheering on my peers playing volleyball and basketball to mentoring young girls who aspire to be a college cheerleader one day, my time with the squad has helped me serve my community in many ways.”

Our 10 NCAA Division II teams are beloved across the region for the dedicated coaches and spirited studentathletes who are as competitive as they are kind. They read to students in elementary schools, mentor at the Boys and Girls Clubs, and participate in awareness events for breast cancer, mental health, sexual assault, and Alzheimer’s disease.

UAFS ADVANCEMENT

This institution is important to many people. It’s a place where dreams become reality. It’s a powerhouse of economic development, where every student is empowered and engaged.

Every year, we have the privilege of watching more than 1,600 graduates step off the commencement stage and into their futures, fully equipped for success.

That can’t happen without the generous and ongoing support of our donors.

The UAFS Foundation is one of the largest foundations in the state and is governed by a dedicated board of directors.

“The UAFS Foundation is a powerful force in advancing student support, not just within the River Valley but across the entire state of Arkansas,” said Blake Rickman, vice chancellor for university advancement and executive director of the UAFS Foundation. “Our board is made up of the region’s premier business leaders, whose expertise and commitment have propelled our endowment’s growth to record heights. We thrive because of their service and leadership.”

This year, more than 1,245 donors made more than 2,600 gifts to UAFS. Every one of those gifts reinforces the belief our donors have in us and in our work.

These gifts provide an umbrella of support through scholarships and emergency funds, making a post-secondary education possible for students who dream of more. They enhance the university’s physical spaces through support of capital projects, building laboratory and creative spaces. They advance excellence in scholarship, allowing UAFS to recruit, retain, and empower our faculty and staff.

Their belief propels us to envision a future where we can award scholarships to every student; where barriers are not just lessened but eliminated; and where growing in alignment with our region is constant.

New fundraising revenue to support the university $6.7 million Raised during our 2024 Day of Giving $123,000

136 New endowed scholarships established this year 6 First-time donors who gave to UAFS this academic year 622

Companies, foundations, and non-profits investing in UAFS this year

Awarded in foundation scholarships this year

– Fort Smith High School, 1927 –

In 1929, J.W. Ramsey, Fort Smith superintendent of schools, wrote of then Fort Smith Junior College “All indications are such that the college will grow from year to year until it becomes an indispensable part of the public school system.” Over the 95 years that followed, our university has lived up to those indications and fully surpassed them, becoming an essential part the educational ecosystem of the state of Arkansas.