Skip to main contentSkip to main navigationSkip to footer content

About UAFS

UAFS at a Glance

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith offers a rich, vibrant learning environment for nearly 6,000 students each semester. 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.

Founded

1928

Location

Ft. Smith, AR

Chancellor

Dr. Terisa C. Riley

School Colors

Blue & White

Mascot

Numa the Lion

 

Image Placeholder

History

For more than 90 years, the university has been a mainstay of Fort Smith with a history as unique as each student who ever enrolled.

Read more about our history

Mission & Vision

Mission

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


Vision

Through dynamic academic programs, innovative research opportunities, and transformational centers of intellectual and economic development, UAFS will advance its community and become an institution renowned for educating and inspiring the ambitious students who call it home. Click here to learn more.


Click Here to View The UAFS Strategic Plan

Campus Safety

Campus Safety

Recently named the safest university in Arkansas, earning praise from online safety resource YourLocalSecurity.com. UAFS reports drastically lower crime rates than the national averages, and UPD goes above and beyond the call of duty, implementing proactive safety measures across campus.

Explore Campus Safety

Governance

Shared Governance

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith shared governance framework includes councils, committees, and governing bodies that ensure diverse voices are heard and respected. Faculty, staff, and students play a vital role in addressing the issues that impact their respective communities, fostering a sense of ownership and collective responsibility for the university’s progress.

EXPLORE SHARED GOVERNANCE

HLC AccrediTation

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The university is approved by the United States Department of Education, the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and the Arkansas State Approving Agency for veteran trainings.

Read more about our accreditation

Getting to and Around Campus