The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith crowned Gerritt Standridge of Fort Smith and Maggie Heppner of Elkins as the 2026 Homecoming King and Queen during the UAFS Men’s Basketball halftime celebration.
Standridge represented Kappa Sigma. He is the son of Perry and Kim Standridge.
Heppner represented Delta Gamma. She is the daughter of Phil and Becky Heppner.
The announcement of the 2026 Homecoming King and Queen marked the close of a weeklong Homecoming celebration at UAFS, which featured multiple competitions and events involving registered student organizations across campus.
Dr. Terisa Riley, chancellor, and her husband, Dr. Ricardo Maestas, presented the Homecoming King and Queen with their crowns during the ceremony.
Students who were elected to the 2026 Homecoming Queen Court were:
- Katie Grace Cavaness, daughter of Robert and Katrina Cavaness, representing Gamma Phi Beta.
- Ella Kuykendall, daughter of Gary and Jane Kuykendall, representing the Campus Activities Board.
Students who were elected to the 2026 Homecoming King Court were:
- Benjamin Broyles, son of Vennie Broyles Jr. and Paris Broyles, representing the Black Student Alliance.
- Daniel Witt, son of Mike and Laura Witt, representing Sigma Nu.
In addition to Homecoming King and Queen, awards were presented to participating student organizations for their involvement in Homecoming competitions throughout the week.
Overall winners for the week were:
Delta Gamma sorority and Sigma Nu fraternity
Category winners included:
Office Decoration Competition
Student Support Services
Spirit Board Competition
Student Government Association
Yell Like Hell
Gamma Phi Beta and Kappa Sigma
Battle of the Boxes – Donation Drive
Delta Gamma and Sigma Nu
UAFS 400 Competition
Delta Gamma and Sigma Nu
Gameday Spirit
Delta Gamma and Sigma Nu
Pickleball Tournament
Gamma Phi Beta and Kappa Sigma
