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About °ÂÃÅ¿ª²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û

°ÂÃÅ¿ª²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û at a Glance

The °ÂÃÅ¿ª²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û – Fort Smith offers a rich, vibrant learning environment for nearly 6,000 students each semester. °ÂÃÅ¿ª²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û 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

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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

°ÂÃÅ¿ª²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û 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, °ÂÃÅ¿ª²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û 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 °ÂÃÅ¿ª²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û Strategic Plan

Campus Safety

Campus Safety

Recently named the safest university in Arkansas, earning praise from online safety resource YourLocalSecurity.com. °ÂÃÅ¿ª²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û 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

Governance

The °ÂÃÅ¿ª²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û - Fort Smith has established a system of councils and committees to promote internal communication and administrative teamwork. The active involvement of committee members, representing a broad cross section of the campus, provides a high level of involvement in decision making and is recognized as a strength in the decision-making process. 

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HLC AccrediTation

The °ÂÃÅ¿ª²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û - 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