Poteau ninth grade Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP students recently toured UAFS (University of Arkansas Fort Smith in Fort Smith). Students were greeted by Admissions Officer Morgan Kratts and began their tour at the campus amphitheater, which was completed in 2015. The amphitheater serves as a common gathering area as well as a host for small concerts and plays on campus. Next, students toured the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center (CC). GEAR UP students learned about housing and some other important offices such as Financial Aid, Advisement, and Admissions, the CC also houses the campus book store and food court. The food court offers many selections, including Subway, Pizza Hut, and Starbucks. UAFS offers almost 50 bachelor degree programs for students as well as additional associate degrees, minors, and certification programs. For students who wish to be active on campus, the college also has more than 100 student organizations. As a bordering state, Oklahoma students who attend UAFS receive the in-state tuition rate.
The field trip was sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP. Eastern received a $17 million federal GEAR UP grant in 2017 and will serve over 3,000 students in 39 area schools for seven years.
