UAFS graduates largest class in its history

The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith graduation ceremony held Saturday (May 16) marked a major milestone for the university – the largest graduating class in its history.
 
UAFS will confer a projected 1,475 degrees and certificates to graduating students in the 2014-15 school year, a 16% increase over last year, with 833 receiving bachelor’s degrees, 349 receiving associate degrees and 293 receiving certificates. The numbers also reflect a 98% increase in bachelor’s degrees awarded compared to the 2009-10 school year.
 
Julie Burdick, vice chancellor for enrollment management, pointed to the university’s strength in providing high-quality, career-focused degrees as a primary reason for the increases.
 
“We celebrate the success of our students and give credit for the growing number of degrees earned to the wonderful teaching efforts of our faculty, who engage students in undergraduate research and career-focused discussions about the important next step in their lives,” Burdick said. “Many students participate in internships which build great resumes.”

Burdick also said more than 70% of UAFS seniors respond to a job/graduate school placement survey, with placement outcomes as high as 85%. She also said more than 15 degree programs maintain a 100% placement in the last 10 years.
 
The growth in students earning degrees also stems from the university’s expansion of its degree offerings, according to Burdick. In the last four years, UAFS has increased the number of four-year degree programs with the addition of degrees including international business, finance and media communications.
 
Burdick said the fastest growing bachelor’s degree programs over the last four years include biology, criminal justice, information technology, marketing, organizational leadership, psychology and nursing.