Fort Smith Metro Daily News Briefs: UAFS-UA sign agreement, Levitt AMP returns

Following are news brief items from the Fort Smith metro.

Engineering Agreement
The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith on Sept. 3 renewed an agreement with the University of Arkansas, extending a 24-year partnership that continues the joint 2+2 engineering programs in mechanical and electrical engineering.

The agreement also coincides with the launch of UAFS’s first standalone four-year engineering degree.

“Through these engineering programs, both the 2+2 and the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering program on our campus, we are delivering on our mission to advance social mobility and power the economic growth of the region,” said Dr. Shadow Robinson, provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs at UAFS. “These engineering programs will continue to ensure that the River Valley and Fort Smith are locations where high-tech industry can grow and flourish as we keep the best and brightest right here in the River Valley.”

Under the 2+2 partnership, UAFS students who complete pre-engineering coursework or earn an associate of science in electrical or mechanical engineering at UAFS gain guaranteed admission into corresponding bachelor’s programs offered by the UA on the UAFS campus, provided they meet academic transfer requirements. Students benefit from dual support systems, with advising and career services offered by both institutions.

“This partnership with UAFS has been a great success for many years and we’re excited to continue this collaboration for many more years,” said Kim Needy, dean of the College of Engineering at University of Arkansas. “Every engineer we graduate through this program strengthens Arkansas’ workforce and contributes to our state’s economic growth and innovation.”

The UAFS also has expanded its engineering offerings with the launch of a bachelor’s degree in advanced manufacturing engineering. The new four-year degree integrates core engineering principles with business strategy and data science, equipping students to lead in a modern production landscape shaped by robotics, automation and artificial intelligence.

Levitt AMP Returns
Main Street Fort Smith, in partnership with RiverBoy Foundation, has been selected as a co-recipient of the Levitt AMP Music Series grant for 2026–2028, ensuring three more years of free, family-friendly live music in downtown Fort Smith.

“Being awarded this grant for another three years is a tremendous honor,” said Amanda Hager, executive director of Main Street Fort Smith. “Partnering with RiverBoy Foundation allows us to elevate the Levitt AMP Fort Smith Music Series even further, building community connections and creating unforgettable experiences in the heart of our city.”

Main Street Fort Smith and RiverBoy Foundation will curate a concert lineup focused on bringing a diversity of music to Fort Smith’s downtown district. Beyond the concerts, the partnership will emphasize community engagement, volunteerism, and opportunities for local organizations and businesses to be part of the series, according to Main Street Fort Smith.

“I’m honored to partner with Main Street and Levitt AMP, two organizations that share my belief in the power of music to bring people together,” said Rhyan Besco, executive director of RiverBoy Foundation.

Concert dates, artists, and additional details for the upcoming season will be announced at a later date. The Levitt AMP Fort Smith Music Series is supported in part by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, which partners with changemakers and nonprofits across the country to activate underused outdoor spaces.

Baptist Nursing Addition
Ashton Ferrell, who holds a doctorate of nursing practice and is a certified family nurse practitioner, is now at the Baptist Health Fort Smith Family Clinic-Ellsworth Road.

A native of Russellville, Ferrell earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Arkansas Tech University in 2020 and completed her doctor of nursing practice at the University of Central Arkansas in May 2025. Her clinical background includes inpatient and rehabilitation care, and primary care practice in Northwest Arkansas.

At Baptist Health Family Clinic-Ellsworth Road, Ferrell sees patients of all ages, offering wellness exams, preventive screenings, chronic condition management and care for acute illness.

“I hope to build a positive working relationship with my patients, so that we can actively work together to achieve their health goals,” Ferrell said. “It’s important to me that patients feel heard and supported throughout their care journey.”

ATU Enrollment Growth
Arkansas Tech University preliminary fall 2025 enrollment is 9,090 students, up 4% compared to one year ago.

ATU has 1,270 freshmen this fall, an 8% increase over fall 2024. ATU enrollment growth in fall 2025 also includes a 13% increase in transfer students and a 6% increase in graduate students. Also, 93% of ATU freshmen in fall 2025 are from Arkansas.

“I get the sense that we are entering a time when students have greater enthusiasm about their college experience and increased optimism about their future,” said ATU President Dr. Russell Jones. “I’m looking forward to once again having more than 9,000 people on our campuses. As we build upon the momentum of our record-setting retention in 2024-25, I am confident that ATU will continue engaging, retaining and graduating individuals with great potential for success this year and in the years to come.”

Among fall 2025 freshmen on the ATU campus in Russellville, the average high school grade point average is 3.53 and the average ACT score is 21. The most popular majors among first-time students at ATU in Russellville this fall include nursing, mechanical engineering, elementary education, business management and biology.