News Stories
AV News
![sunset](/news/_images/1ChancellorMessage.jpg)
AV Campus to Open Thursday, Jan 18
The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith will resume campus operations on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2024.
January 17, 2024![a caution sign with a snowflake](/news/_images/winter-weather-image.jpg)
Campus Closed Jan 17, 2024.
The AV Emergency Management Team met this morning to discuss the safety of reopening campus tomorrow. Though the National Weather Service predicts mid-day temperatures to be well above freezing, we know that during the early morning and late evening...
January 16, 2024![a caution sign with a snowflake](/news/_images/winter-weather-image.jpg)
Campus Closure Jan 16, 2024
After examining the National Weather Service’s predictions for overnight temperatures in the single digits and in consultation with local law enforcement, the AV Emergency Management Team has made the decision to close the campus and cancel all...
January 15, 2024Bird-Watchers Rejoice at Snow Birds' Return
As Arkansas braces for another round of snowfall and temperatures dip below freezing, the age-old past time of bird watching is bringing joy to river valley residents. Dr. Ragupathy Kannan, professor of ornithology at the University of Arkansas –...
January 15, 2024![The AV Belltower sits in the background with yellow daffodils in the foreground during a bright spring day](/news/_images/daffodils.jpg)
AV Rings in the New Semester with a Week of Events
Spring Back Week returns to the AV. Join the Campus Activity Board and other Registered Student Organizations with a full slate of events during the first week of the spring semester.
January 10, 2024![Dr. Ann-Gee Lee poses with her dog, Alfredo. The AV Belltower can be seen in the background.](/news/_images/anngeealfredo.png)
The Cultural Embrace of Dr. Ann-Gee Lee
Dr. Ann-Gee Lee came to the AV, thinking her time would be merely a pitstop. Thirteen years later, she has no plans to leave and is eager to share her knowledge with anyone.
January 08, 2024![Aerial view of the Bell Tower at sunset](/news/_images/1ChancellorMessage.jpg)
Weather and Safety
Leaders at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith take your safety very seriously. The Chief of Police at the AV Police Department, Chief Ray Ottman, attends National Weather Service weather briefings twice daily to ensure that we have the latest...
January 08, 2024![Quynh Nguyen, 2016 graduate of AV](/news/_images/2024-quynh-nguyen.jpg)
Achieving her Dreams
Quynh Nguyen, a 2016 AV graduate, immigrated from Vietnam with her family when she was 12. As a non-English speaking student, the language barrier was an obstacle she overcame her entire life. AV was a place that...
January 08, 2024![AV Athletic Director Curtis Janz walks along the sidelines during a game](/news/_images/2023-curtis-janz.jpg)
A Look Beyond the Records with Curtis Janz
AV athletic director Curtis Janz arrived in 2016. Since then, he has instilled culture, navigated a global pandemic, changed conferences, and built a lasting legacy.
January 08, 2024![Community members march to honor Dr. King](/news/_images/mlkpanel-jacob.jpg)
University, MLK Commission Plan Events
Under the theme “UNITY - It Starts With Me,” the AV, in collaboration with the River Valley MLK Commission and other area organizations, will host a series of events to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin...
January 01, 2024![the AV admissions team poses with AV letters](/news/_images/2023-admissions-team.jpg)
2023: A Year of Achievement
Much of what happened at the AV in 2023 is informed by the values and goals in the university’s new 5-year strategic plan, approved by the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees this May.
December 18, 2023![Aerial view of the Bell Tower at sunset](/news/_images/1ChancellorMessage.jpg)
Chancellor's End of Semester Update
As we come to the end of fall 2023 I offer my most sincere congratulations to our graduates whose commencement ceremonies are tomorrow. I look forward to celebrating with you and your family and friends!
December 15, 2023![Mailbag Numa popping out of a holiday package](/news/_images/2023-holiday-mail-numa.jpg)
AV Mailbag: Wrapped
Check out the AV Mailbag: Wrapped. It is the final edition of the semester and covers what you need to know for graduation, we take a look back at the semester, and share some positives heading into the extended break.
December 01, 2023![Aerial view of AV camps green and bell tower](/news/_images/2023-uafs-aerial.jpg)
Airo Honored as an Association of Energy Engineers Fellow
AV Director of Plant Operations Robert Airo was made Association of Energy Engineers Fellow in October 2023. Airo became the first AEE Fellow in Arkansas.
December 01, 2023![a woman presents her business plan at the AV Lions Lair event](/news/_images/lionslair-2023.jpg)
Lion's Lair Business Plan Contest Awards Nearly $2,000
The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith concluded its anticipated Lion's Lair Business Plan Contest on November 30, with an array of innovative student projects. The contest, hosted by the AV Center for Economic Development, aimed to foster entrepreneurial...
November 30, 2023![Ashley Daney smiling for the camera with a ring of flowers on her arm.](/news/_images/2023-ashley-daney-lv.png)
Lion Voices: Ashley Daney
Ashley talks about how she has received an amazing amount of help from the Choctaw Nation. She lists how she wants to try and return their generosity by maybe working for them in the future. She mentions her school journey and who has helped her...
November 29, 2023![Students studying together at the Boreham Library at AV](/news/_images/2023-library-students.jpg)
AV Prepares Students for Fall Finals
The AV prepares students for finals with the Long Night Against Procrastination. The international tutoring event is designed to help students finish the semester strong.
November 28, 2023![Sophomores, Brenna Smith, psychology major (left) and Shelby Zink, biology major, make traditional corn husk dolls](/news/_images/2023-native-american-heritage-month.jpg)
Native American Heritage Month Celebrated at AV
The AV and the AV Native American Student Association celebrated Native American Heritage Month (November) with a full slate of campus-wide activities and events.
November 21, 2023![AV mascot NUMA, dressed as a mailcarrier](/news/_images/2023-mailman-numa.jpg)
AV Mailbag: What We're Thankful For
The AV Mailbag is back with a special holiday edition! Hear from your fellow Lions as Dr. Riley, students, and staff share what they're thankful for this holiday season.
November 17, 2023![Sydney Barnes smiling for the camera.](/news/_images/2023-sydney-barnes-lv.jpg)
Lion Voices: Sydney Barnes
In this week's Lion Voices, Sydney Barnes. She talks about how she landed in Arkansas and became a Lion. She mentions her decision to stay at AV, even when she lives a bit away.
November 17, 2023Popular Topics
Media Relations
The AV Office of Communications fields all media inquiries for the university. Email Rachel.Putman@uafs.edu for more information.
Send an EmailRachel Rodemann Putman
- Director of Strategic Communications
- 479-788-7132
- rachel.putman@uafs.edu