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About

Mission History Masthead

Empowering voices. Elevating stories. Enriching campus culture.

 

Here at Applause, our mission is to empower and embolden aspiring writers. We are an international undergraduate magazine seeking to uplift and amplify the voices of those writers across the country andaround the globe. In both what we publish and how we communicate with our authors, we strive to be inclusive, accepting, and above all else, kind. Whether you have dozens of published works or none at all, we are here to help you share your writing with the world, and to celebrate and applaud you.

 

History

 

black and white background of the Bell Tower at the University of Arkansas Fort - Smith.

Applause is an award-winning, student-run literary journal founded in 1980 within the English Department at the Íæż½ã½ã (Íæż½ã½ã).

Over its four-decade history, Applause has published poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and visual art. As a proud member of the Southern Literary Festival Association (SLFA), Applause has built a reputation for fostering excellence and has traditionally released its annual issue each spring. In 2021, Applause underwent a significant transformation, shifting from a publication dedicated solely to Íæż½ã½ã students to an international literary journal spotlighting the best undergraduate writing from around the world. This pivot not only expanded our reach but also enriched the experiences and professionalization opportunities for our student staff.

 

Applause 2025 Masthead

 

Masthead is the official student publication of the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, showcasing bold storytelling, creative expression, and campus perspectives through student-driven journalism and design. From investigative features to vibrant visual art, Masthead captures the spirit, culture, and voices of the Íæż½ã½ã community.

 

 

Name Title Education Favorite Authors
Ari Long Managing Editor Íæż½ã½ã Junior Rick Riordan and Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Jacob Childers Poetry Editor Íæż½ã½ã Junior Liu Cixin
Ashe Laudan Fiction Editor Íæż½ã½ã Senior Ursula K. Le Guin and J.R.R. Tolkien
Vincent Gonzales Non-Fiction Editor Íæż½ã½ã Sophomore David Maraniss

Applause Staff Readers

 

Name Education Favorite Author
Kobe Campbell Íæż½ã½ã Senior Stephen King
Chase Delaney Íæż½ã½ã Senior Margaret Atwood
Kirsten Garner Íæż½ã½ã Senior Sarah A. Parker and Alex Aster
Zac Mathias Íæż½ã½ã Junior J.R.R. Tolkien
Madison Mizell Íæż½ã½ã Junior Jennifer L. Armentrout and Tracy Wolff
Isabella Serrano Íæż½ã½ã Senior Britt Bennett
Jordan Shelton Íæż½ã½ã Senior Rick Riordan and Elizabeth Acevedo
Kameron Burns Íæż½ã½ã Junior  
Phillip Henley Íæż½ã½ã Sophomore  
Aaron Krafft Íæż½ã½ã Junior  

Layout & Design

 

Name Education Title
Kirsten Garner Íæż½ã½ã Senior Team Leader
Jacob Childers Íæż½ã½ã Junior Team Member
Aaron Krafft Íæż½ã½ã Junior Team Member
Zac Mathias Íæż½ã½ã Junior Team Member
Jordan Shelton Íæż½ã½ã Senior Team Member

Social Media & Promotion

 

Name Education Title
Kameron Burns Íæż½ã½ã Junior Team Leader
Chase Delaney Íæż½ã½ã Senior Team Member
Isabella Serrano Íæż½ã½ã Senior Team Member