electorate voted to support the merger. A formal request to change affiliation status to that of a bachelor's degree-granting institution under the name of the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith was submitted to the Higher Learning Commission in August 2001 and approved by the Institutional Actions Council on November 19, 2001.
The merger, which became official on January 1, 2002, endorsed the concept of UAFS as a unique university, one that offers applied and traditional baccalaureate degree programs, one- and two-year associate and technical programs, and non-credit business and industry training programs.
== Colleges ==
In April 2021, UAFS Chancellor Terisa Riley announced a reorganization of the university's structure which consolidated its colleges from five to three. The three colleges are:
The College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Business and Industry
The College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences (Includes Carolyn McKelvey School of Nursing and School of Education)
== Rankings ==
For …
