Latest news with #UAFS
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UAFS to launch one-time summer scholarship initiative
FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith announces the launch of a one-time summer scholarship initiative that will award $100 per credit hour to all eligible degree-seeking students who register for summer courses by May 1. According to a release, the scholarship will be automatically applied to student accounts based on enrollment in summer classes as of May 1. To qualify, students must be pursuing a degree at UAFS and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Scholarships will be awarded in order of enrollment and are subject to available funding. 'Summer is the perfect time for students to catch up or get ahead for the new semester,' said Jennifer Holland, executive director for student retention. 'Whether students need to retake a course, lighten their fall or spring course load, or simply want to accelerate their path to graduation, this scholarship program offers a valuable opportunity. By easing the financial burden, we hope more students can take advantage of summer classes.' 5 University of Arkansas students' visas terminated by Department of Homeland Security The university says it estimates awarding up to $500,000 in summer scholarships, funded by the UAFS foundation. Summer registration is open. Classes begin June 2. The release says students can also benefit from changes to federal Pell Grant regulations that allow eligible students to receive up to 150% of their annual Pell Grant award. Students who qualified for Pell during the fall and/or spring may also qualify for summer aid. To be eligible for summer Pell, students must have a valid 2024-2025 FAFSA on file, meet satisfactory academic progress, and enroll in degree-pursuant courses, among other federal requirements listed here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
$7.5 million anonymous gift fuels nonprofit support initiative at UAFS
The University of Arkansas–Fort Smith announced a transformational $7.5 million gift on April 2, establishing a comprehensive Center for Nonprofits. The anonymous donation, one of the largest in UAFS history, was revealed during the public kickoff of the university's $85-million comprehensive campaign, 'Intrepid Ambition.' 'This gift is a profound statement of belief in Fort Smith and the people doing some of the most difficult and most meaningful work in our region,' said Blake Rickman, vice chancellor for university advancement and executive director of the UAFS Foundation. 'The nonprofits of the River Valley are helping families in crisis, walking alongside individuals who feel forgotten and fighting every day for those who have nowhere else to turn. This gift will transform their capacity to do that work, and it's an honor to be a part of it.' The CNP will be housed within the UAFS Center for Economic Development at the Bakery District downtown and will provide training and community-building opportunities for nonprofit organizations across the River Valley. 'The Center for Nonprofits is a natural extension of the work we do every day at the CED, equipping organizations with practical tools to grow, adapt, and lead,' said Kendall Ross, associate vice chancellor for economic and workforce development and head of the CED. 'This gift allows us to apply that expertise to the nonprofit sector, where the impact is deeply human and profoundly local.' Ross aims to begin the search for the center's director immediately. The CNP will support nonprofits in two primary ways: Offering direct training and support to nonprofit staff at the CED and integrating academic expertise through a partnership with the university's Department of Social Work. Like other UAFS initiatives, such as the Center for Business and Professional Development, the CNP will provide professional development, capacity building, and operational support tailored to nonprofit needs. Training sessions will cover fundraising, financial management, board governance and strategic communications, with opportunities to earn continuing education credits. The center also will award annual mini-grants to regional nonprofits and provide access to operational resources and technology to enhance service delivery, impact measurement, fundraising and data analysis. Additionally, the CNP will collaborate with the UAFS Department of Social Work to link academic research with community needs. This partnership will establish an endowed nonprofit faculty position, create applied research initiatives and offer paid student internships, helping to prepare students for careers in the nonprofit sector. 'We recognize that fostering the economic growth of the River Valley is deeply connected with enhancing the social well-being of our community,' said Dr. Shadow Robinson, provost of UAFS. 'This generous gift will allow us to amplify that impact, extending our capacity to serve and strengthen nonprofits throughout the region.' The CNP will build upon the foundation of River Valley Nonprofits, a local network that emerged in 2020 to support organizations navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This group officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2024 and is working closely with UAFS to establish the new center. 'The launch of the UAFS Center for Nonprofits is a defining moment for the nonprofit community in the River Valley,' said Tim Shields, board president and facilitator of River Valley Nonprofits. 'What started as a grassroots effort in 2020 has evolved into a transformative partnership with UAFS. This $7.5 million endowment ensures that nonprofit leaders can access the tools, training, and resources needed to meet future challenges. It's an investment in the people and organizations changing lives in our region and beyond.' This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: $7.5M donation fuels nonprofit hub at University of Arkansas–Fort Smith
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UAFS earns silver designation as 2025-26 Military Friendly School
FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (UAFS) announces it has earned a silver designation as a 2025-26 Military Friendly School on April 8. To earn the Military Friendly School designation, academic institutions must be evaluated using public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. 'Military Friendly is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process,' VP of Military Friendly Kayla Lopez said. 'Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the Military Community.' UAFS competed against more than 1,800 academic institution participants in the 2025-26 survey. Lopez said, 'Schools who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, exceeding the standard.' University of Arkansas, UAFS among schools receiving combined $27M in HIRED program grants Final ratings are determined by combining the institution's survey score with the assessment of the institution's capability in meeting the standards below for all students: Student Retention Graduation Job Placement Loan Payment Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer) Loan Default Rates 'Being Military Friendly reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting service members, veterans and their families by providing opportunities, resources and a welcoming community,' financial aid advisor and VA certifying official for UAFS Heather Chance said. 'Those who have served deserve the best, and we take pride in creating an environment where they can thrive.' All UAFS veteran students receive priority registration, connections to advisors specialized in veteran services, and full-time access to both VA vocational rehabilitation counselors and the UAFS Veteran Resource Center. Student veterans can also join the Student Veterans Organization for further support in achieving academic success and advocacy. For those in need of additional resources, UAFS will be hosting the Veterans Resource Fair on April 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center. No reservations are required. For more information about UAFS' student veteran programs, visit its website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
UAFS closing campus early due to weather
FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The University of Arkansas Fort Smith campus closes at 2 p.m. Friday according to a release from a university spokesperson. Remaining classes are canceled for the day and campus will be closed with exterior doors locked at 2 p.m. The National Weather Service in Tulsa issued a safety briefing Friday afternoon indicating a significant severe weather threat is expected to develop during the afternoon and evening hours across portions of far southeast Oklahoma and into northwest Arkansas. Very large hail, damaging winds, flash flooding, and tornadoes are potential hazards. The NWS indicates that individuals in the impacted region should have multiple ways to receive warning information and a sheltering plan ready should the weather worsen. Additional information: Campus Safety: University Police will remain on campus to assist with emergencies and will continually evaluate the condition of campus. Individuals may contact UPD on their non-emergency line: 788-7140 or upd@ Plant Operations: Plant Operations staff will be on call as needed to check campus buildings for severe weather-related issues. To report emergency facility or grounds conditions individuals may call 479-462-2384. Boreham Library: The Boreham Library will be closed. Students will still have access to the 24-hour lab. Housing and Dining: Each housing facility will have a Resident Assistant (RA) on call throughout the closure to assist with resident needs. Campus Dining will hold normal dinner hours, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Lion's Den only. Severe Weather Safety: The National Weather Service has cultivated safety information for thunderstorm, tornado, lightning, and flood safety. Future Updates: The best way to receive information regarding inclement weather and other emergency operations is through your university email and Lions Alert, the university's emergency notification system. UAFS will continue to send official campus updates via email, and notices regarding changes to campus operations will be posted on the UAFS webpage and social media accounts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
$7.5M anonymous donation kickstarts UAFS Center for Nonprofits
FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Fort Smith (UAFS) has received a $7.5 million anonymous donation to establish a Center for Nonprofits (CNP), one of the largest gifts in the university's history. Announced on April 2 during the public launch of the $85 million Intrepid Ambition campaign, the gift aims to enhance the capacity and impact of nonprofit organizations across the River Valley, according to a news release. The CNP will be housed within the UAFS Center for Economic Development (CED) at the Bakery District in downtown Fort Smith. It will provide professional development opportunities tailored to the needs of nonprofit organizations, including courses on fundraising, financial management, board governance and strategic communications. In addition to training, the center will award annual mini grants to regional nonprofits and provide access to advanced technology for service delivery, client management and impact measurement. 'Intrepid Ambition': UAFS announces $85M fundraising campaign The CNP will also integrate academic expertise through a partnership with the UAFS Department of Social Work, according to the release. This collaboration includes an endowed faculty position, applied research initiatives and paid student internships. The center builds on the efforts of River Valley Nonprofits, a network formed in 2020 to support local organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now a registered 501(c)(3), the group is working with UAFS to shape the center's development. 'The launch of the UAFS Center for Nonprofits is a defining moment for our region,' Tim Shields, board president of River Valley Nonprofits, said in a news release. 'What started as a grassroots effort has evolved into a powerful partnership with UAFS. This center will provide nonprofit leaders with the training and resources they need to navigate challenges and expand their impact.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
