Poteau eighth 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 began their tour in the auditorium of the Windgate Art and Design Building. While in the auditorium, Gabbard spoke with students about what it is like to attend UAFS. Students learned about several degree plans offered by the college, as well as the smaller class sizes available to them. Students majoring in Studio Art spend most of their time in the Windgate Building taking classes, such as drawing, painting, photography, and media communications. Alongside academics, UAFS offers more than 100 student organizations, including sororities and fraternities. There is a new recreation and wellness center known as “the RAWC,” where students can stay active through different activities, such as fitness classes and intramural sports. UAFS offers almost 50 bachelor’s degree programs in addition to several certification programs. The UAFS campus covers 170 acres with almost 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.