Panola GEAR UP students tour the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith
Panola GEAR UP students recently toured the University of Arkansas campus in Fort Smith, AR. Several tour guides spoke with the students in the Smith–Pendergraft Campus Center before the tour began. The guides discussed various campus organizations and academic programs, as well as student–to–teacher ratio, scholarships, financial aid, and the ACT. The importance of volunteer work and campus involvement was also stated. Panola students completed information cards before beginning the tour.
As the students were led throughout campus, guides indicated where specific classes were held. Some of these included the Flanders Building for business classes, the Vines Building for Language Arts classes, the Gardner Building for history classes, the Ballman–Speer Building for the Arts classes, and the Math and Science Building. They also directed the students to the Fitness Center and discussed the anticipation of the Health and Wellness Center that is currently being built on campus.
The guides directed the students to the Stubblefield Center and the baseball field as they made their way to the new Windgate Art and Design Building. Students then toured the Lion’s Den Residence Hall. This building contains suites with various floor plans and is the only on–campus housing for freshmen. Upperclassmen have the option of living there or in the Sebastian Commons.
Students also visited the Pendergraft Health Sciences Center. Dental Hygiene, Nursing, and Radiography programs are housed in this building. Students were informed that they have access to free services provided by the students enrolled in these programs.
Students saw the Boreham Library and the Dining Hall. Guides explained how the UAFS student identification cards act as a key to the housing complex and as a debit card for dining options. They emphasized how the library is very beneficial for college students.
“College tours are an important part of Eastern’s GEAR UP program,” said GEAR UP Education Coordinator Melissa Juarez. “They give the students a first–hand look at life on a college campus.”
Front Row: Cheyanne Sinor, Brooke Knight, Eddy Keeling, Sandra Karstens, Arianna Garcia, and Alexis Hill
Row 2: Dora Cox, Andria Crouch, Madison Rutledge, Austin Bloxham, Chloe Ellis, Jayda Crockett, Jesse Cantrell, Alison Corcoran, Chazz Brewer, Christian Coley, and Joseph Holloway
Row 3: Deyton Ashby, Billy Morrow, Nick Walls, Rhett Minshall, Rosie Coley, and Bryce Wilcox
Rosie Coley and Austin Bloxham—Panola GEAR UP juniors Rosie Coley and Austin Bloxham enjoyed the various art exhibits in the Windgate Art and Design Building.
Andria Crouch and Alexis Hill—Panola GEAR UP students Andria Crouch and Alexis Hill complete the student information cards before beginning the campus tour.
Rhett Minshall, Chazz Brewer, Austin Bloxham, Jesse Cantrell, Rosie Coley, and Nick Walls—Panola GEAR UP students Rhett Minshall, Chazz Brewer, Austin Bloxham, Jesse Cantrell, Rosie Coley, and Nick Walls were impressed with the Health Sciences Center.