The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith has announced gifts totaling more than $7.5 million from the Windgate Foundation in support of student financial aid, academic programming, and a new art and design facility.

The funding includes $4 million in support of need-based scholarships that will enable any Pell Grant-eligible student who receives no other form of government assistance (such as Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants or Arkansas Challenge Scholarships) to attend UAFS at little to no out-of-pocket cost; $394,000 for academic program development and expansion; $240,000 in support of an artist-in-residence program; and $120,000 in support of paid internships that enable studio art and graphic design majors to engage in experiential learning opportunities. The commitment also includes more than $2.8 million for the Windgate Art and Design Building Facility Endowment in support of a facility that was completed in 2015 with a $15.5 million grant from the foundation.

"As an educator, I am so moved by what this support will do for our students," said Katie Waugh, head of the UAFS Art Department. "This gift will broaden their access to professional and creative communities, and it is an absolute dream to be given the chance to build new ways to support them. Our students accomplish incredible things and often do so while managing many responsibilities. The direct positive impacts this gift will have on them is profound."