2026
C H A N C E LLO R ’ S
To our incredible community,
It is my honor to present the Chancellor’s Report for the 2025–26 academic year. Throughout these pages, you will see how the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith prepares exceptional students for meaningful careers, lives of purpose, and leadership in their communities. Whether they aspire to become doctors or lawyers, artists or journalists, educators or engineers, our students gain more than knowledge here. They learn to apply what they know through research, creative work, clinical experiences, internships, competitions, service, and partnerships with employers and community organizations. They work alongside faculty mentors to explore important questions, present their findings, and contribute to new ideas. They develop confidence by leading student organizations, serving their community, competing as student-athletes, and creating programs and traditions that strengthen campus life. Across disciplines, they are challenged to think critically, to solve complex problems, and to lead with integrity. And all of this is made possible by the incredible faculty and staff who recognize and serve each student’s unique potential. Their scholarship and professional experiences connect every classroom to the world our graduates are preparing to enter. We also know students succeed when they have the support to persist. Affordable tuition, scholarships, emergency assistance, health and counseling services, career preparation, and access to necessities help ensure that obstacles do not define our students’ future. For many of our Lions, especially those who are the first in their families to attend college, that support can be life-changing. The results of these efforts are visible across the River Valley and beyond. UAFS graduates care for patients, teach children, create art, tell stories, build businesses, develop new technologies, and lead organizations. They leave our campus prepared not only to enter the workforce but to improve it. None of this would be possible without the support of those who invest in our mission. They expand access, advance research, enrich learning, and create opportunities that transform entire communities. As we approach our centennial, I am inspired by all that UAFS has accomplished over the past 98 years, and even more excited by what our students will accomplish next. Thank you for believing in them and in the power of this university.
Terisa C. Riley, Ph.D. Chancellor
2 4 5 6 7
Student Outcomes Recreation and Wellness Financial Support Community Engagement Career Support
8 9 10 11 12
Faculty and Staff Research College of Arts and Sciences College of Health, Education and Human Sciences College of Business and Industry
13 14 16 18 20
Advanced Manufacturing and Workforce Development Center for Economic Development Athletics University Advancement Military Support
The UAFS campus, founded in 1928 and located at 5210 Grand Ave., extends across 170 acres. Its 46 buildings have a combined 1.155 million square feet, showcasing the university’s extensive academic and student support facilities.
108’10”
Height of the Bell Tower
STUDENT
OUTCOMES At UAFS, access to higher education is central to who we are and whom we serve. During the 2026 academic year, 54% of UAFS students qualified for Pell Grants, the federal benchmark for significant financial need, and more than 53% were the first in their families to attend college. More than 5,400 students enrolled this fall, choosing academic programs that reflect both their ambitions and the needs of the communities around them. Business administration, nursing, biology, computer science, psychology, elementary education, organizational leadership, and criminal justice are among our most popular majors. Among our more than 1,200 graduates, many are launching careers, starting businesses, continuing their education, and assuming leadership roles here in the River Valley. Their success is measured not only in credentials, but also in strengthened families, served workplaces, and shaped communities.
1,283 Credentials awarded this academic year
5,498
53.4%
Students enrolled this fall
First generation undergraduates
15
93%
Master’s degrees awarded this year
First-year students who received financial aid
870
21.4%
Students who are non-traditional (25 and older)
Students who identify as Hispanic
54%
2,166
Pell-eligible undergraduates
Students earning Dean’s List and Chancellor’s List honors
2
UAFS | CHANCELLOR’S REPORT 2026
“People here will help you out. That’s what they’re here for. They want to see you succeed, and there are resources to help you succeed.” – Raul Tabares ‘26
Bachelor of Business Administration
RECREATION AND
WELLNESS
The Office of Recreation and Wellness made holistic student support more visible and more effective than ever after undergoing a restructure last year. The impact is evident across every area. Facility visits to the RAWC grew by almost 4,000 in the year, and participation in intramural sports grew to 104 teams with 756 student participants. Group fitness classes welcomed 1,422 participants, and the center issued more than 1,000 passes to guests through the year. Demand for health and counseling services also climbed significantly. The Student Counseling Center served 566 unique students, while the Powell Student Health Clinic cared for 479 unique patients. Together, these services ensure students have convenient access to the medical care, mental health support, and recreational opportunities they need to thrive inside and
46,514 outside the classroom.
Visits to the RAWC this year
1,010 RAWC guest passes used
756 Intramural participants
861 Appointments at the Powell Student Health Clinic
992 Services performed at the counseling center
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UAFS | CHANCELLOR’S REPORT 2026
FINANCIAL
SUPPORT Accessible education remains at the center of our work at UAFS. Too often, the question is not whether a student can earn a degree, but whether they have access to even begin. A low base cost, initiatives such as the Tuition and Mandatory Fee Guarantee and the Transfer with Pride program, and a vast array of grants and scholarships help keep a college degree within reach at UAFS. With more than 93% of first-year students receiving financial aid, we’re truly making a debt-free degree possible. During the 2025-26 academic year, the Student Emergency Assistance Program (SEAP), a completely donor-funded initiative, provided more than $26,000 in emergency aid to 31 students facing financial crisis that threatened their education. For students who didn’t qualify for emergency funding, the university worked to identify other solutions, connecting them with scholarships, financial aid resources, and more. The Dave Stevens Lion Pride Pantry took it a step further by providing food, school supplies, hygiene products, and other necessities throughout the year. During the holidays, the pantry also distributes Thanksgiving meal boxes to students and their families. These programs make a practical promise to our students that when obstacles arise, UAFS will help find a way forward.
$44.5 Million More than
In aid awarded to students this year.
$26,253
200
$850
3,206
Total aid to 31 students provided by the SEAP this year
Thanksgiving boxes provided this year
Average SEAP grant provided to students
Food and necessity bags distributed by the pantry since it opened in 2020
COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT The Office of Campus and Community Engagement
a group that aligns with their interests,
(CACE) offers students a vast slate of co-curricular
the CACE office helps them create one.
programs that help them build relationships and connections, develop their leadership skills, and
Beyond RSOs, UAFS’s seven fraternities
become more engaged citizens.
and sororities, along with service organizations like LionHeart, continue to serve the region through
More than a thousand events brought energy,
philanthropic work.
culture, service, and conversation to campus this year, nearly all led by students.
Students also strengthened their connection to the community through service, outreach, and
“The office of Campus and Community
philanthropy. From the annual Toy Toss and hands-
Engagement strives to connect UAFS students
on science activities hosted by the Chemistry Club
with not only the campus community though
to Greek partnerships with the Community Clearing
Registered Student Organizations and inclusive
House and the Oklahoma School for the Blind,
programing, but also with the Fort Smith
UAFS students found meaningful ways to serve
community though work with local non-profits
beyond campus. Greek organizations also hosted
and hosting larger scale community events,” said
signature philanthropy events, including Anchor
Dyllan Newell, Coordinator of Student Activities
Slam, Gammas Got Talent, and Sigma Cup, raising
and Civic Engagement.
support for organizations such as Girls Inc., St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and
More than 70 Registered Student Organizations
many others.
offer students a place focusing on nearly every interest on campus. And when students can’t find
1,032 Campus events this year
152
236
Cultural events held on campus this year
Fraternity and sorority members this year
6
73
38
Registered Organizations
Traditions celebrated in the UAFS Alumni Traditions Keeper guide UAFS | CHANCELLOR’S REPORT 2026
CAREER
SUPPORT The Babb Center for Career Services helps Lions connect their education to the futures they are working toward. From the first questions about
1,209 Students attended events sponsored by
choosing a major to later stages of professional growth, the center supports students and alumni as they prepare for careers, pursue opportunities, and navigate the workforce. Work may begin with helping first-year students explore a major and understand where it can lead. As students move toward graduation, the Babb Center offers professional development opportunities,
the Babb Center for Career Services this
networking events, and career fairs that connect
academic year
them with employers and help them compete with
99% Successful career outcome (employed or continuing education) with an associate degree within six months of graduation
90% Bachelor’s degree employment or continuing education within six months of graduation
90% Master’s degree employment within six months of graduation
confidence. This year, staff reviewed and posted 838 resumes and hosted 66 events. The center even provides a professional clothing closet so students can access interview attire at no cost. There were 70 student visits to the Suit Up Studio/Career Clothing Closet and 179 articles of clothing provided to students last year. To track their impact, the Babb Center also administers surveys using NACE First Destination to understand post-graduation outcomes. Our 2024-2025 class, the most recent surveyed, saw nearly 95% of all UAFS graduates employed, continuing their education, or serving in the military or through voluntary service.
“We know how important it is to our students and alumni that they see the return on their investment in higher education. Finding the career path, the internship, the job – that’s the ultimate goal for our students in the Babb Center for Career Services.” – Susan Krafft
Executive Director, Career Services
FACULTY
AND STAFF The strength of UAFS begins with the people who teach, mentor, advise, and support our students. Across three academic colleges, faculty and staff help students gain professional experience through 33 certificate programs, 12 associate degree programs, 34 bachelor’s degree programs, and two master’s degree programs, many of which are stackable, allowing students to build credentials over time while potentially saving both time and money. Faculty and staff deepened knowledge in their professional fields this year with 166 attending conferences to stay current in their disciplines and 88 presenting research across the globe. Their work brings new knowledge back to the classroom and keeps UAFS connected to the industries, professions, and scholarly conversations our students are preparing to enter. The Lion Leadership program, now in its fourth year, also guided 12 current faculty and staff members through a yearlong professional development experience, helping prepare the leaders who will shape the university’s next chapter.
166
Faculty and staff attended professional conferences to stay knowledgeable in their disciplines
188
290
Full time faculty who provided exceptional education to students
Full time staff who supported the student experience
8
UAFS | CHANCELLOR’S REPORT 2026
RESEARCH Research continued to gain momentum at UAFS this year, highlighted by a record number of Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) awards and expanded opportunities for faculty scholarship, student discovery, and innovative partnerships. The university managed 49 active state and federal grants during the year, including 15 that directly funded research, most involving student researchers. Among the year’s highlights, new faculty members Dr. Susie Boles and Dr. Radwa Hanafy received a competitive $50,000 award to establish their research laboratories and help build the university’s microbiology program. UAFS also received four Arkansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) subawards supported by the National Institutes of Health, funding faculty training, research support, and laboratory equipment. The university also launched Research Den, a public engagement series that brings researchers out of the lab and into the community. The informal presentations, hosted in downtown Fort Smith, invite faculty, students, and Arkansas researchers to share their work in accessible, engaging ways. At the annual Student Research Symposium, 74 students presented projects spanning disciplines from gamified physical therapy for autistic youth to a selfwatering greenhouse system. Six students took their research to the Capitol to present their work to state leaders. Five students earned Arkansas Division of Higher Education SURF grants, the most in university history. Combined, the research opportunities at UAFS afforded students the chance to study from Washington to Belize, to publish in peer-reviewed journals, and to present at international conferences.
74
Students presented research at the annual UAFS research symposium
47
14
Active state and federal grants maintained this year
Research grants involving undergraduate research
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES The College of Arts and Sciences is where students learn to ask better questions: About the natural world, human behavior, artistic expression, history, language, communication, and community life. This year, those questions led students into research, creative work, public performance, and partnerships beyond the classroom. More than 150 students presented their undergraduate research and work at regional and national conferences. Approximately 50 art and design students showcased their work in exhibitions on and off campus, while music and theatre students contributed to nearly 100 performances that enriched campus life and served the wider community. Across northwest Arkansas, a student-led research project engaged more than 200 citizen-scientists in a bioblitz to document local species, and the largest loan from the university’s private art collection was on display at the Alexander Gallery of the Walton Arts Center for the year. The college also saw important improvements to learning spaces, including laboratory upgrades and expansions in the Math Science building, a beautiful
“UAFS has changed my life in such a powerful and positive way. As a first-generation student, I knew this opportunity was important because not everyone gets the chance to pursue higher education.”
redesign of Breedlove Auditorium, and the completion
– Cesar Brizuela Zeyala ‘26
of the 19,000-square-foot expansion of the Windgate
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish
Art & Design building.
3,000+ Volunteer hours by students
10
100
200
75
Student performances
BioBlitz participants
Oral histories preserved
2,000+
107
Visitors to Drennen-Scott Historic Site
Regional students reached through Forge Ahead
UAFS | CHANCELLOR’S REPORT 2026
COLLEGE OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND HUMAN SCIENCES The work of the College of Health, Education,
Future educators also continue to excel, with a 96%
and Human Sciences is visible in some of the most
institutional licensure exam pass rate by program
essential places in Arkansas: classrooms, clinics,
completers.
and community organizations. Its graduates care for patients, teach children, support families, and lead in fields where the need for skilled
Learning extends beyond the classroom through clinical experiences, field
professionals continues to grow.
placements, research, and community partnerships, preparing
Students earn impressive
graduates to serve with
licensure and certification
confidence from the first day
results, including perfect pass
on the job.
rates in several healthcare programs and strong
Whether caring for patients,
placement rates that reflect
teaching children, supporting
the continued demand for
families, or leading healthcare
UAFS graduates.
organizations, CHEHS graduates embody UAFS’s
This year, Social Work students
commitment to preparing
achieved the highest assessment
professionals who strengthen the
scores in program history, while nursing
health, education, and well-being of the
programs expanded enrollment across night,
River Valley and beyond.
weekend, and accelerated cohorts to help address our state’s critical need for a healthcare workforce.
1,520 Students enrolled in CHEHS
180%
100%
Growth in ADN nursing admission since Fall 2024
Dental Hygiene job placement among spring 2026 graduates
More than 750
100%
Patients treated annually at the UAFS Dental Hygiene Clinic
ADN nursing NCLEX pass rate
“Earning my master’s degree and receiving the Academic Excellence Award is a meaningful milestone that reflects years of perseverance, growth, and dedication to my calling as an educator and lifelong learner. I am deeply grateful for the leaders, mentors, and educators who guided, challenged, and inspired me throughout this journey. Through faith, hard work, and purpose, this experience has strengthened my commitment to serving others through education.”
– Daisy Vargas ’22 ‘26
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Master of Education
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY The College of Business and Industry
books, and externally funded research, creating
prepares graduates to lead in business,
opportunities for undergraduate study and
engineering, technology, and organizational
experiential learning. Many also served in
leadership through applied learning, faculty
leadership roles with national or regional
mentorship, and strong industry connections.
professional organizations, connecting our campus to industry conversations well beyond
This year, UAFS students earned top honors in
the River Valley.
regional and national competitions, including first place in the statewide Autonomous Vehicle
Five advisory boards, composed of experts in their
Challenge and first place in the ATMAE Robotics
fields, help ensure programs remain responsive
Field Competition, where they also placed second
to employer needs. Through those partnerships,
overall and received the prestigious Spirit of
students graduate with the technical
ATMAE Award. These students reflect the college’s
knowledge, professional skills,
dedication to teamwork, innovation, technical skill,
and practical experience
and solving real-world challenges.
needed to succeed in a rapidly changing
Faculty members extended the college’s reach
economy.
through scholarly publications, presentations,
“Returning to school as a first-generation, nontraditional student balancing a full-time career, earning my bachelor’s degree is a milestone I’m incredibly proud of. This accomplishment reflects not only my perseverance but also the unwavering support of my village.” – Whitney Scales ‘26
Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership
$96,699
Faculty grant funding helping support student research and internships
1st place
1st place
16
9
Autonomous Vehicle Challenge, statewide champions
ATMAE Robotics Field Competition
Peer reviewed or invited presentations by faculty and students
Faculty leaders serving on national or regional boards, in journal editorial positions, and with professional organizations
12
UAFS | CHANCELLOR’S REPORT 2026
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING AND WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT
UAFS took a major step forward in preparing the
areas such as robotics, automation, mechatronics,
workforce of tomorrow with the grand opening
industrial controls, and additive manufacturing.
of its new Advanced Manufacturing Lab and
The Advanced Manufacturing Lab supports long-
Workforce Development Center. The facilities
term workforce development through degree
were officially dedicated May 4, 2026, with a
programs, stackable certificates, and early college
keynote by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and
opportunities for high school students.
remarks from Cody Waits, executive director of Workforce Connections; Jacob Oliva, Arkansas
“Advanced manufacturing is not just about
Secretary of Education; and Jay Silveria, president
machines and technology,”
of the University of Arkansas System.
said Kendall Ross, associate vice
Supported by nearly $7 million in state
chancellor
and private investment, the centers
for economic
strengthen the university’s ability to
and workforce
meet the growing demand for skilled
development.
workers and engineers across the
“It is about
River Valley.
preparing people for
Together, they create a seamless
the jobs that
pathway from rapid workforce training
are shaping
to advanced engineering education.
the future of
The Workforce Development Center
industry in our
provides flexible, employer-driven
region.”
training and technical upskilling in
Up to 156
Up to 121
Available Fort Smith jobs over the next five years with a bachelor’s degree in advanced manufacturing engineering
Available Fort Smith jobs over the next five years with a certificate of proficiency in advanced manufacturing
18
43
Students enrolled in the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering program for Fall 2026
Individuals trained in the Workforce Development Center
$2.95 TRILLION Value added to the U.S. GDP from manufacturing in the nation in 2025
CENTER FOR
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The UAFS Center for Economic Development exists at the intersection of education, workforce, business, and community life. Its programs support businesses, nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and working professionals across the River Valley. This year, the Center for Nonprofits emerged as a cornerstone of that work, helping address a longstanding need among the region’s more than 1,200 nonprofit organizations. As part of the CED, the Center for Nonprofits (CNP) provides networking opportunities, strategic planning support, and technical assistance designed to help organizations build capacity and increase their impact. Since its launch, the center has attracted more than 50 member organizations and hosted events that reached more than 700 people. “There really wasn’t a place for nonprofits to go to learn how to run their organizations,” said Emily Treadway, executive director of the CNP. “The Center for Nonprofits has stepped in to fill that gap, offering training on everything from strategic planning and fundraising to financial management and board governance.” The Center for Economic Development’s impact extends through the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center in small business support, the Jim Walcott Family Enterprise Center in family business programming, and the Center for Business and Professional Development (CPBD) in professional development, and regional economic research. Together, the four centers translate university resources into meaningful community growth.
$14.5 Million In capital obtained through 85 capital transactions through the ASBTDC since 2021
114
988
54
727
Trainings held through the CBPD
Individuals from 92 organizations served by the CBPD
Jim Walcott Family Enterprise Center member organizations
Attended CNP events
14
UAFS | CHANCELLOR’S REPORT 2026
“The Center for Economic Development is where UAFS meets the workforce needs of the region in real time. Whether we are supporting a startup, helping a nonprofit strengthen its mission, training incumbent workers, providing regional economic insight, or partnering with industry on advanced manufacturing, our goal is to help people, organizations, and communities grow.” – Kendall Ross
Associate Vice Chancellor for Economic & Workforce Development
ATHLETICS At UAFS, the “student” comes first in “student-athlete” for a reason. These Lions are here to earn degrees and grow into leaders of character long after their playing days. Despite demanding practice schedules and travel seasons this year, student-athletes maintained an impressive 3.3 combined GPA, with nearly 100 named to the MIAA Academic Honor Roll. Off campus, they spent their time high-fiving elementary school students to kick start their Friday mornings, reading in local classrooms, and volunteering in community clean-up and cancer awareness efforts, modeling the Office of Athletics’ mission: love, serve, grow. Men’s basketball returned to a conference tournament for the first time since 2021-22, its first appearance under Zane Gibson’s three years as head coach. “We had a very good year. We started out 13-0, which tied the school record for best start, and finished with a 20-win season for the first time since 2017-18,” Gibson said. “We were ranked as high as No. 5 in the nation and were ranked in nine consecutive national polls.” The Lions ended the regular season with their best record in nearly a decade (20-9), becoming one of the top five squads since becoming a D-II program, and punched their ticket to the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) tournament and came up just short of an NCAA Tournament berth. UAFS Assistant Vice Chancellor for Athletics, Recreation and Wellness Curtis Janz was named Athletics Director of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics at the NACDA & Affiliates Convention in Las Vegas this June. The year showed momentum in competition, in the classroom, and in service to our community, embodying the promise of NCAA Division II athletics. Both our men’s and women’s golf teams qualified for the NCAA II Central Regional championships, Sam Sewell from the men’s team earned All-MIAA honors and Aliesa Situmorang on the women’s team was honored as All-MIAA second team. Christian Moore was named MIAA Newcomer of the Year and to the All-MIAA second team in men’s basketball, and Brandon Scott was named to the All-MIAA honorable mention in men’s basketball. Telisha Brown earned All-MIAA honorable mention for women’s basketball. In men’s tennis, Eduardo Bribiesca and Birk Arwedahl were named to the All-MIAA second team doubles and Eduardo received an honorable mention for singles. Arianna DeBernardo from the women’s team received All-MIAA honorable mention in singles.
16
UAFS | CHANCELLOR’S REPORT 2026
181 Current student-athletes
33
8
All-time All-American athletes
Student athletes earning honors this year
8
3
98
52
All-time national championship wins by the men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and cheer teams
Tournament appearances this year
Students named to MIAA Academic Honor Roll
All-time National Tournament Appearances
UNIVERSITY
ADVANCEMENT Every day, the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith changes lives, and that important work is made possible by the alumni, friends, corporations, foundations, and community partners who choose to invest in its mission. Their support opens doors for students through scholarships and programming, strengthens academic rigor through leading-edge equipment and facilities, and expands UAFS’s capacity to serve the River Valley. From preparing nurses and teachers to developing the next generation of engineers, manufacturers, artists, and entrepreneurs, donor investment helps ensure that students are prepared to succeed and communities are prepared to grow. The depth of their commitment is reflected in the success of Intrepid Ambition, the largest fundraising campaign in university history. Since its public launch in April 2025, more than $79 million in commitments have been made, from more than 6,400 donors. Campaign investments are already increasing access and excellence across campus, and with the conclusion slated for 2028, the potential is limitless. As we approach the final years of this campaign, each gift means even more: more students earning degrees, more families gaining stability, more businesses finding talent, and more communities seeing what is possible when a region invests in its university.
$2.406 Million In scholarships awarded by the UAFS Foundation this year
18
$6.5 million In new fundraising commitments this year
$58,385 Raised during Day of Giving
1,945 Individual gifts to the UAFS Foundation this year
UAFS | CHANCELLOR’S REPORT 2026
MILITARY
SUPPORT Those who have served our country bring leadership, resilience, and experience to our classrooms, our workforce, and our campus community. At UAFS, we are committed to ensuring veterans, service members, military families, and military-affiliated employees have the support they need to succeed and feel at home. Recognized as a Military Friendly School with a Silver designation for 2025-26, UAFS provides specialized support through Veteran Services, the Veteran Resource Center, priority registration, assistance with military and VA education benefits, and opportunities to earn academic credit for military training and experience. Over the past year, Veteran Services conducted outreach campaigns to help students navigate benefit requirements, access resources, and stay on track toward graduation. That work was strengthened through opportunities for connection and support, including with the Wounded Warrior Project and the annual Veterans Resource Fair. Military service is also visible across campus through Lion Company, the university’s ROTC unit, where cadets learn and train, serving the River Valley along the way. From laying wreaths at the national cemetery and hosting a 9/11 stair climb in the Stubblefield Center to collecting food for the Lion Pride Pantry, these cadets continually demonstrate service and leadership. UAFS also continued to deepen its support for military-affiliated employees. In June, a Boss Lift at Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center brought campus leaders into the field with National Guard members during annual training, offering a firsthand look at the commitments many service members balance alongside their civilian careers
Military-affiliated students receiving military or veteran education benefits this year
Looking ahead, the university will host its first Military-Affiliated Graduate Recognition Ceremony in November and is developing a Military-Affiliated Student Ambassador Program to support students as they transition to campus and pursue their degrees.
20
297
UAFS | CHANCELLOR’S REPORT 2026
39
15
Military-affiliated graduates
Cadets enrolled in the ROTC program
The first graduating class of Fort Smith Junior College poses for a portrait in 1930. As we near our centennial in 2028, we carry forward the ambition of these early students and their belief in education as a force for opportunity in the River Valley.