The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Chancellor, Dr. Paul Beran, and a team of volunteers braved a little rain Friday morning (Aug. 16) to help hundreds of incoming freshmen students unload their belongings and move into their new rooms. Students and parents said they were grateful for the help.
"I don't think I could have done it all by myself," said incoming freshmen Priscilla Devora.
Craig Cunningham, who was bringing his youngest daughter to college, called the help "awesome."
"We didn't expect it," said Cunningham. "It's a great service."
Director of Housing for UAFS Beth Eppinger said providing the move-in assistance is a great was to welcome the families to campus.
"(It says) UAFS cares about them, and we're excited to have them here," said Eppinger.
Devora said she's excited to move into her new room and meet new people. She said she will miss the home cooked meals though since the dorm rooms don't have stove tops.
Jacob Potts, an ROTC member and one of nearly 150 move-in volunteers, said the new students will feel right at home in the residence halls.
"The dorms are brand new," said Potts. "They've got really good food. The food places are really nice."
Dr. Beran said the incoming freshmen have much to look forward to this semester.
"I think they can expect to have their ideas expanded about the world," he said. "I think they'll develop some great friendships, have some great activities on and off campus, and they'll make lifelong friends."
Students will continue moving into the residence halls Saturday (Aug. 17). The university will host a welcoming convocation for incoming freshmen and their parents in the Stubblefield Center at 3 p.m. on Sunday.