About UAFS
The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith offers a rich, vibrant learning environment for nearly 7,000 students each semester. Small class sizes allow students the opportunity to collaborate with their professors and peers and develop life-long professional connections with faculty who are experts in their fields.
With more than 60% of students arriving at UAFS from Sebastian and Crawford counties, the university is uniquely involved in the development of the region and exceptionally dedicated to advancing its quality of place.
UAFS aims to build its reputation as a regional destination for high-quality, affordable education, where diverse groups of aspirational students and faculty thrive and excel.
UAFS offers 51 bachelor’s and associate degrees, two master’s degrees, and 36 certificate programs, all aimed at preparing students to explore, innovate, and compete in the global workforce. An intentional focus on increasing evening, weekend, and online course options has afforded more access to adult learners, full time working students, and military and veteran students.
With state-of-the-art on-campus and digital-learning facilities, industry-standard training instrumentation, and cutting-edge research technology, UAFS offers students up-to-date, hands-on education focused on the future.
From application to commencement, UAFS also offers unrivaled support for students through comprehensive, one-on-one academic advising, innovative preemptive student support analysis, and a student-centered philosophy that has defined the institution since its founding in 1928.
UAFS students can participate in more than 100 student organizations, including dynamic Greek life, intramural sports, academic societies, and cultural groups. For students who want to live in the heart of campus life, UAFS offers two residence halls with a full-service dining hall, as well as an apartment complex for upper-level students. The Lions and Lady Lions compete in NCAA Division II baseball, women’s volleyball, and men’s and women’s basketball, tennis, cross country, and golf.
UAFS is one of 21 academic institutions and affiliates governed by the University of Arkansas System board of trustees and administered by the president of the system. System offices are located in Little Rock. As a public university, UAFS is overseen by the
Arkansas Department of Higher Education.
Quick Facts About UAFS
Name: University of Arkansas – Fort Smith
Founded: 1928
Location: Fort Smith, second-largest city in Arkansas, population 86,209 (Ref: Census 2010)
Chancellor: Dr. Terisa C. Riley
History: Fort Smith Junior College (1928) / Westark Junior College (1966) / Westark Community College (1972) / Westark College (1998) / University of Arkansas – Fort Smith (2002)
School colors: Navy, white and burgundy
Mascot: Numa the Lion
Campus: 170 acres / 77 campus buildings and facilities / 1.16 million building square feet maintained
2019 fall enrollment: 6,229
Student-to-faculty ratio: 18-to-1
Academic programs: 51 bachelor’s and associate degrees, 36 certificates, and two master’s program
Student activities: More than 100 registered student organizations such as Greek life, intramural sports, academic societies, and cultural groups
Athletics: NCAA Division II, Lonestar Conference
