UAFS Campus Facilities and Landmarks
The University of Arkansas Fort Smith (UAFS) boasts a modern campus designed to support academic excellence, artistic expression, and student wellness. From state-of-the-art technology centers to award-winning landscapes, the campus provides a comprehensive environment for learning and personal growth.
Key Facts
- Numa is the world's largest statue of a leaping lion.
- The Reynolds Bell Tower is the largest free-standing belfry in the South Central United States.
- The campus serves as a certified arboretum with over 69 GPS-mapped tree species.
- Windgate Art & Design was established via a $15.5 million gift from the Windgate Charitable Foundation.
- The Boreham Library provides a 24-hour study zone for students.
Academic and Specialized Centers
Windgate Art & Design
Opened in the fall of 2015, Windgate Art & Design is a 58,000-square-foot visual arts facility. This center was made possible by a $15.5 million gift from the Windgate Charitable Foundation. The building is equipped with a variety of specialized spaces, including a film theater, a videography and photography studio, a letterpress and printmaking studio, and numerous classrooms.
Boreham Library
The 70,000-square-foot Boreham Library serves as the university's intellectual hub. It provides students with access to electronic and printed books, online databases, periodicals, and computers. Additionally, the facility houses the Babb Center for Student Professional Development, fully equipped classrooms, and a 24-hour study zone.
Pendergraft Health Sciences Center
Since November 2004, the Pendergraft Health Sciences Center has provided the infrastructure for theoretical and practical learning. It supports programs in imaging sciences, nursing, and dental hygiene, while also hosting the university's counseling, dental, and student health clinics.
Baldor Technology Center
The Baldor Technology Center focuses on technical education, offering specialized labs and workshops. It supports diverse courses including robotics, electronics, animation technology, automotive technology, and unmanned aerial systems.
Student Life and Wellness
Recreation and Wellness Center (RAWC)
The RAWC is a 47,000-square-foot facility that opened in the fall of 2016. It is designed to promote physical health through a variety of amenities, including a rock-climbing wall, a three-lane running track, volleyball and basketball courts, and an expanded fitness area with modern equipment.
Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center
Named after donors Ross Pendergraft and Fred W. Smith, this center acts as the primary hub for student services. The first floor contains the food court, Box Office, Student Activities Office, and the campus bookstore. The second floor houses essential administrative services, including the Registrar's Office, Financial Aid, Advisement, Admissions, and the Cashier's Office. The center also features a ballroom, professional meeting rooms, student lounges, and an art gallery.
Arts, Culture, and Campus Landmarks
Art Galleries
UAFS hosts three art galleries that are open to the public free of charge. The Sally Boreham Gallery and the Mary Tinnin Jaye Gallery offer permanent displays of digital prints, photographs, and traditional media. Meanwhile, the Traveling Art Gallery, located in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, hosts rotating exhibits.
The Reynolds Bell Tower
Commissioned on May 21, 1993, and dedicated on September 22, 1995, the Donald W. Reynolds Bell Tower is a prominent campus landmark. Standing seven stories tall at 108 feet 10 inches, it holds the title of the largest free-standing belfry in the South Central United States.
Numa Statue
Located in front of the Stubblefield Center—the home of the Lions volleyball and basketball teams—is Numa. Unveiled on April 28, 2010, this 15-foot-long bronze sculpture of the university's mascot is the largest statue of a leaping lion in the world.
Campus Grounds and Horticulture
The entire UAFS campus is designated as an arboretum (a botanical collection composed primarily of trees), featuring more than 69 species of trees mapped via GPS technology. The university's commitment to landscaping has earned several prestigious awards:
- 2005: Ball Horticultural Company Floral Displays Champion – America in Bloom (AIB)
- 2003: Green Star Grand Award for the Best Maintained Landscape in the Nation (School or University Category) – Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS)
- 2002: Distinguished Service Award – Keep Arkansas Beautiful (KAB)
Campus Facilities Summary
| Facility | Primary Purpose | Key Feature/Size |
|---|---|---|
| Windgate Art & Design | Visual Arts | 58,000 sq ft |
| Boreham Library | Research & Study | 70,000 sq ft / 24-hour zone |
| RAWC | Health & Fitness | 47,000 sq ft / Rock-climbing wall |
| Pendergraft Health Sciences | Medical Education | Clinical & Theoretical labs |
| Baldor Technology Center | Technical Training | Robotics & UAS labs |
| Smith-Pendergraft Center | Student Services | Administrative offices & Food court |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Numa statue?
Numa is a 15-foot-long bronze sculpture of the university's mascot and is recognized as the largest statue of a leaping lion in the world.
Which facilities are available for art enthusiasts on campus?
Visitors can explore the Windgate Art & Design facility and three public galleries: the Mary Tinnin Jaye Gallery, the Sally Boreham Gallery, and the Traveling Art Gallery.
What services are located in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center?
The center houses the campus bookstore, food court, and Student Activities Office on the first floor, while the second floor contains Admissions, Financial Aid, Advisement, the Registrar, and the Cashier's Office.
Does the campus offer 24-hour study options?
Yes, the Boreham Library includes a dedicated 24-hour study zone for students.
What makes the UAFS campus grounds unique?
The entire campus is an arboretum with over 69 GPS-mapped tree species and has received national awards for its landscaping and horticulture.