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Tracie Griffith, administrative specialist for mathematics, stands in front of the UAFS Math Science Building
AlumniArts and SciencesFirst GenerationLion Voices

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 University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, she is finding that she's still making a difference...

February 05, 2026
Class notes graphic
AlumniClass Notes

Class Notes, Spring 2026

Class notes from alumni coming from October 2025 to January 2026. If you have any information you'd like to share with your fellow alumni and us, follow the link below the notes to the Class Notes submissions!

February 02, 2026
UAFS alum, Jordan Miesner-Davis, works with a multi channel pipette.
AlumniArts and SciencesFirst Generation

UAFS Alum Builds Career Through Science and Persistence

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith alum, Jordan Miesner-Davis, is helping change lives as a scientist. He helps companies develop and test safe medications for distribution.

January 23, 2026
The UAFS Recreation and Wellness Center
AlumniCommunity

Start Strong: Tips for Setting and Sticking to Your Wellness Goals in the New Year

Cory Williams, assistant director of recreation and wellness, shared practical strategies for setting meaningful goals, staying motivated and taking advantage of campus resources designed to support healthy habits.

December 31, 2025
An evening photo of the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center
AlumniEventsNews

UAFS 2026 Homecoming Schedule Revealed

Homecoming returns to the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith from Feb. 23-28, 2026. The university is excited to share a full schedule for the week, including both new and returning events.

December 10, 2025
Aerial photo of a snow-covered UAFS Campus Green with the Bell Tower, Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, Math Science Building, and Breedlove Building in the background.
AlumniArts and SciencesBusiness and IndustryFeaturedHealth Education and Human SciencesIntrepid Ambition

2025: An 'Ambitious' Year for UAFS

View some of the top stories and events at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith from 2025.

December 08, 2025
UAFS alum Kyle Speegle and his son pose in front of their Extreme Light Show
AlumniArts and SciencesCommunity

Kyle Speegle Lights up the River Valley

UAFS alumni light up the River Valley in all kinds of ways—through service, creativity, and a spirit of community that they fostered right here on campus. But some alumni, like, Kyle Speegle ‘02, take their “lighting” a little more seriously...

December 04, 2025
Class notes graphic
AlumniClass Notes

Class Notes, Fall 2025

Class notes from this fall, coming from a wide variety of alumni

December 03, 2025
Alex Dotulong, UAFS student has a
AlumniArt and DesignArts and SciencesLion Voices

Alex Dotulong Turns Artist360 Grant Into Creative Momentum

When UAFS 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
Daniel de Mondesert (right) high-fives Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta in the Brewers stadium. Photo is courtesy of Scott Paulus/Milwaukee Brewers
AlumniAthleticsBusiness and IndustryFeatured

A Major League Dream

UAFS alum, Daniel de Mondesert, '20, is one of the youngest coaches in Major League Baseball. He has climbed the ranks with the Milwaukee Brewers and is proof that it doesn't matter where you start if you're willing to put in the effort to get there....

December 01, 2025
Josiah Olmstead poses with a pair of giraffes at Zoo Atlanta during the filming of his documentary,
AlumniArts and SciencesCommunityEvents

UAFS to Host Alum's Documentary Honoring Grandfather

UAFS alum Josiah Olmstead, '13, spent three years making a documentary honoring the life and work of his late grandfather, Dick Sweeney. Sweeney was one of the seven founders of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, which changed the landscape...

November 05, 2025
Kendrix Holcomb (center) points to the camera during his graduation in May 2024 in the Stubblefield Center at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith. He is adorned with his fraternity stoll and Homecoming King 2024 stoll, as well as with multiple cords.
AdmissionsAlumniLion Voices

Finding Identity at UAFS: Kendrix Holcomb

Kendrix Holcomb, an admissions advisor at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, arrived as a student with the goal of reinventing himself. The self-proclaimed introvert made it a priority to come out of his shell and encourages others to do the...

October 15, 2025
Two riders, Jenny Kliest (right) and Kiyah Homes, pedal their bikes uphill on a two-lane road on the Cumberland Plateau neear Pikeville, Tennessee, during the Remember the Removal Bike Ride.
AlumniFeaturedHealth Education and Human Sciences

Alumna Rides Through History

Jenny Kliest, a 2024 graduate of the dental hygiene program at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, rode nearly 1,000 miles along the Trail of Tears Northern Route for the Remember the Removal Bike Ride.

October 13, 2025
Sarahi Ibarra (center) is surrounded by family and friends during her spring 2025 graduation from UAFS
AlumniArts and Sciences

Upward Bound to Law School

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith alum, Sarahi Ibarra, class of 2025, found success through programs and community on her way to law school.

August 21, 2025
Image of a stack of pages with
AlumniClass Notes

Class Notes, Summer 2025

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith alumni share life and career updates.

August 18, 2025
UAFS alum Matthew Schilling takes an at-bat for the Fort Smith Marshals.
AlumniAthleticsCommunity

Rounding the Bases: Matthew Schilling’s Homecoming

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith alum Matthew Schilling continues to call Crowder Field home as he suits up for the Fort Smith Marshals baseball team.

July 17, 2025
Stephany Dobbins, coordinator for new student and family programs poses in front of the UAFS Bell Tower
AlumniFirst GenerationLion Voices

Eighteen Years and Counting with Stephany Dobbins

Stephany Dobbins has called the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith home for the last 18 years. As coordinator for new student and family programs, she looks forward to welcoming students to the "Lion Family."

June 18, 2025
Image of a piece of paper with the words
AlumniClass Notes

Class Notes, Spring 2025

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith alumni share professional and personal updates.

May 28, 2025
Cherokee Blanchard-Hartsell stands in front of an Oklahoma courthouse holding her UAFS Outstanding Young Alum Award
AlumniArts and Sciences

Outstanding Young Alum Works to Protect Oklahoma Children

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith honored Cherokee Blanchard-Hartsell, '23, with an Outstanding Young Alum Award for her service to her community.

May 16, 2025
Artist rendition of computer science featuring colored lines and dots
AlumniArts and SciencesNews

UAFS Computer Science on Par with Nation

Enrollment and the number of degrees awarded in computer science at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith are in line with national trends.

May 16, 2025

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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

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  • 479-788-7132
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