University of Arkansas – Fort Smith

University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith (UAFS) offers a vibrant, student-centered environment that serves nearly 6,000 students each semester. As a regional destination for accessible, high-quality education, UAFS is dedicated to empowering students, supporting economic development, and strengthening the River Valley through academic excellence and community partnerships.

UAFS has a rich history rooted in resilience and ambition. Founded in 1928 as Fort Smith Junior College with just 34 students, the institution began as an extension of the local high school. In the early years, classrooms were carved out beneath a football stadium, and later, the college moved to a modest facility on the outskirts of town, becoming an independent, privately funded institution. Faculty, students, and administrators came together to maintain the campus, often donating their time—and even their paychecks—to keep the school going.

This legacy of determination and community spirit laid the foundation for what UAFS has become today: a growing institution committed to student success and regional progress.

Now part of the University of Arkansas System, UAFS combines tradition with innovation, offering forward-thinking academic programs, hands-on learning opportunities, and centers for research and economic advancement. The university continues to evolve, with a clear mission to educate and inspire students who are ready to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

At UAFS, we don’t just prepare students for careers—we prepare them for meaningful lives.

Services

i. Finance and Administration