University of Arkansas News Brief - August 25, 2025

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The University of Arkansas today announced a series of strategic initiatives, leadership appointments and funding opportunities designed to enhance student innovation, reinforce ethical AI use on campus and expand research support.

A major gift will bolster student entrepreneurs at the McMillon Innovation Studio, enabling expanded programming to develop leadership and creative problem-solving skills among undergraduates and graduate students.

In a significant step toward responsible technology adoption, the U of A launched an AI Informational Website (ai.uark.edu), offering campuswide guidelines on ethical and effective use of artificial intelligence in teaching, learning, research and operations. The resource-developed by a cross-campus AI Task Force and working groups-also maps related university policies and will soon include approved AI-tool acquisition procedures.

In academic leadership news, Christopher Estepp has been named the first Bumpers College Dean’s Fellow, tasked with revitalizing the Razorback AgCademy through enhanced stakeholder collaboration and program updates.

Alumna Becca Ohman has been appointed Executive Director of Garvan Woodland Gardens, bringing 12 years of horticultural leadership and development expertise to the botanical attraction.

Several research and funding opportunities were also highlighted today:

• New human-subject studies are recruiting participants through the Research and Innovation Site, offering both paid and volunteer roles to support graduate projects.
• Poultry science researchers identified two calcium-digestibility tests that promise improved feed-efficiency for Arkansas producers.
• The Service Learning Initiative announced expanded funding streams for faculty and student community-engagement projects.

Engineering educators from Civil Engineering hosted the Biggadike Innovation Grant Workshop, equipping teaching assistants with best practices in curriculum delivery and student mentorship.

Researchers and staff are reminded that the university will observe Labor Day on September 1, suspending all operations. The next Arkansas News Brief will be published Tuesday, September 2.

Finally, the 39th class of Sturgis Fellows-six Arkansas undergraduates selected for Fulbright-supported study abroad awards-was unveiled, continuing a legacy of international scholarship tied to the Fulbright College.

University Relations urges faculty, staff and students to stay informed of campus resources and engage with these new initiatives as the semester gets underway.