Cameron eighth and ninth grade Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP students recently toured UAFS (University of Arkansas Fort Smith) in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Students were greeted by Admissions Officer Megan Gabbard, and then began their tour in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center (CC). Gabbard spoke with students about the importance of considering location, cost, time, and finances when exploring potential colleges. Students learned the CC is where offices such as Admissions, Financial Aid, and the Registrar are located, and which role each department has for students at UAFS. Students also toured the Lion’s Den, which is a housing option primarily for freshmen. The Lion’s Den houses almost 500 students. UAFS has more than 100 student organizations, including fraternities and sororities. UAFS also offers nearly 50 bachelor’s degree programs in addition to several certification programs. The UAFS campus covers 170 acres with approximately 70 campus buildings and facilities.

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 more than 3,000 students in 39 area schools for seven years.