From its inception, the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith has existed to serve the needs of the area. UA Fort Smith has undergone four name changes, evolving from a small college primarily interested in serving local students, to a comprehensive community college, to a university providing broader course offerings and services to its eight-county region and beyond.

UA Fort Smith was first established as Fort Smith Junior College in 1928 and was an extension of the local public school system. Staffed by instructors from the high school faculty, the superintendent of schools served as president, and the high school principal was dean.

The University operated within the public school system until 1950, primarily offering college-parallel courses. At that time, the University was separated from the public schools and incorporated as a private, nonprofit educational institution with its own Board of Trustees.

In September 1952 the University was moved from the high school to the old County Farm site at Grand Avenue and Waldron Road. It initially operated on the northeast portion of what is now a 117-acre campus. Two brick buildings were converted into classrooms and offices, and the semester began with 108 students and ten instructors. The enrollment increased rapidly, course offerings and faculty were expanded, and eight buildings were constructed.

The University began to develop a comprehensive community college program, a new concept in education in the area and the state. Local industrialists became interested and, at their urging and with their economic aid and professional assistance, a vocational-technical division was established to provide local industries with trained personnel.

The example set by the University resulted in the beginning of a statewide system of community and technical colleges. Leaders from all parts of the state endorsed the concept of the community college and amended the Arkansas Constitution so that the General Assembly could authorize the creation of community junior college districts. The amendment was approved in 1964, and an enabling act was passed early in 1965, permitting the citizens in these areas to create such districts by popular referendum.

In a special election the following November, the electorate approved the creation of the Sebastian County Community Junior College District, along with a tax levy on the real and personal property within the county. The governor appointed a Board of Trustees for the institution, and in February 1966, the Board approved the name change from Fort Smith Junior College to Westark Junior College. This development brought about improvements, which had previously not been possible, when the only sources of income were tuition, fees, and gifts.

In February 1972 the Board of Trustees passed a resolution changing the name to Westark Community College in order to reflect the mission of the College. Westark Community College was fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools in 1973. In February 1998 the Board of Trustees changed the name to Westark College to more accurately portray the mission, role, and scope of the College.

At midnight on January 1, 2002, Westark College became the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith. The University now includes bachelor-level programs, traditional transfer and career programs, as well as the Center for Business and Professional Development and the University Center. UA Fort Smith has experienced substantial growth in enrollments, faculty, facilities, and curricula. UA Fort Smith has indeed become an integral part of the community, offering a wide range of educational, occupational, cultural, and recreational opportunities.