Following are news brief items from the Fort Smith metro.
UAFS Business Awards
The College of Economic Development of the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith is accepting nominations for several recognition awards in three categories: small business awards, family-owned business awards, and the business adviser of the year award.
According to UAFS, nominations will be accepted until Sept. 17, and anyone can submit a nomination. Nominees do not need to be members of the Jim Walcott Family Enterprise Center or working with the Arkansas Small Business Technology and Development Center, the UAFS noted.
The Small Business of the Year award, the highest honor in the Small Business Awards category, recognizes small business that has achieved outstanding performance, resilience, and impact. Honorees exhibit sustained growth, innovative practices, and a commitment to their customers, employees, and community. This award celebrates a business that not only thrives in a competitive market, but sets the standard for excellence in small business leadership.
Link here for the nomination forms.
United Way Campaign
The United Way of Fort Smith Area’s (UWFSA) annual fundraising campaign is underway, and offers area companies a chance to support the organization’s outreach efforts. The UWFSA brings together businesses, volunteers, and organizations to support essential programs.
“By participating in this campaign, companies can showcase their commitment to corporate social responsibility and foster a spirit of unity and collaboration among their employees,” the UWFSA noted in a statement. “Getting involved is straightforward, companies can organize workplace giving programs, encourage employee volunteerism, or even become sponsors for specific fundraising events. This involvement not only benefits those in need but also strengthens team morale and pride within the organization.”
United Way addresses the needs of people who live and work in Crawford, Franklin, LeFlore, Logan, Sebastian and Sequoyah counties.
The Pacesetter Campaign runs the entire month of August, and the campaign kickoff is set for Sept. 18th.
Legal Hire
Caitlin Campbell has been hired as an associate at the law firm of Jones, Jackson, Moll, McGinnis & Stocks, PLC in Fort Smith. Her practice areas includes civil litigation, business and corporate law, commercial transactions, debtor-creditor law, real estate law, and bankruptcy.
She earned her juris doctorate from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 2025, graduating magna cum laude.
Jones Jackson Moll was founded in 1970 by Robert Jones, Jr. and E.C. Gilbreath. The practice ranges from business transactions and formation to civil litigation for individuals, businesses, and insurance companies. The practice also includes real estate law, oil and gas law, and estate planning and probate.
ATU-Ozark Administration
Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus has hired Bill Mizaur and Dr. Wayne Fawcett to its administration. Mizaur will be the director of Arkansas Tech Career Center (ATCC), and Fawcett will be director for the ATU-Ozark adult education program.
“ATU-Ozark is pleased to welcome Mr. Bill Mizaur as the new director of the Arkansas Tech Career Center,” said Dr. Sheila Jacobs, ATU-Ozark chancellor. “His experience in both K-12 and adult education, combined with his skills in leadership development, curriculum planning and community outreach, uniquely position him to lead ATCC into its next chapter of growth and innovation. I am confident that under his direction ATCC will continue to provide outstanding career and technical training that equips students for success in the workforce and beyond.”
Mizaur earned a bachelor’s degree in social studies education, and a master’s degree in education leadership from ATU. He also earned a master’s degree in adult education and lifelong learning from the University of Arkansas. He has been a superintendent and a principal in his education career.
Fawcett earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Ouachita Baptist University, where he double majored in political science and secondary education. He earned a master’s degree in gifted education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and a doctorate in educational administration from Harding University. Fawcett brings 39 years of experience in education, 17 of which he served as a superintendent.
“Dr. Fawcett’s decades of leadership experience, from classroom instruction to district-level administration, reflect a firm dedication to education and community service,” Jacobs said. “I am confident that under his leadership our adult education program will expand its impact, equipping even more students with the skills and credentials they need to thrive in today’s changing workforce.”