SMASH Hospitality Program Receives $100,000 Pledge from Oaklawn

Oaklawn Hot Springs has pledged $100,000 to sponsor the annual Students Mastering the Art of Southern Hospitality, or SMASH, event in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas.

SMASH is an annual student-run event that gives future hospitality leaders a chance to showcase their event planning, service and culinary skills. The experience allows students to plan and execute a professional event from start to finish, which provides hands-on learning while deepening their understanding of the hospitality industry.

The Oaklawn sponsorship will support SMASH over the next four years, including this year’s event on March 14. Funds will help cover venue rental, food and beverage, décor, supplies and publicity. This capstone event brings together U of A students, industry professionals and community members, giving students a unique opportunity to bring their skills to life in a real-world setting.

“Oaklawn’s sponsorship of the SMASH program reflects a shared commitment to developing talent and strengthening Arkansas’ hospitality workforce,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson. “We are grateful for this partnership, which will give our students valuable hands-on learning experiences while supporting a tourism and hospitality industry that is a cornerstone of the state's economy.”

“Oaklawn has long believed that exceptional hospitality starts with investing in people,” said Chris Ho, vice president of marketing, Oaklawn Hot Springs. “The SMASH program stood out because it gives students real-world experience in planning, executing and delivering a high-level hospitality event — skills that directly translate to the careers they will pursue after graduation. Supporting SMASH allows Oaklawn to help cultivate the next generation of hospitality professionals while strengthening our connection to one of the state’s premier academic institutions.” 

Oaklawn leaders say the decision to support SMASH aligns with the organization’s longstanding commitment to hospitality excellence and workforce development. The sponsorship also reflects Oaklawn’s broader focus on experiential learning and community engagement across Arkansas.

“Hospitality is at the heart of everything Oaklawn does, and workforce development is essential to sustaining that standard,” Ho said. “This sponsorship reflects our commitment to supporting hands-on education, professional development and experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for success in the industry. By partnering with the University of Arkansas and the SMASH program, Oaklawn is investing not only in future talent but also in the broader hospitality ecosystem that benefits communities across Arkansas.”

“Partnerships like this transform what we can offer our students,” said Kelly Way, associate professor of hospitality management in the School of Human Environmental Sciences. “Oaklawn’s investment does more than support an event — it fuels an immersive learning environment where students take ownership of real-world hospitality experiences, make high-stakes decisions and see the direct impact of their leadership. Through SMASH, our students are not only learning hospitality, they are living it, and Oaklawn’s commitment ensures that the next generation of hospitality leaders graduates with the confidence, creativity and industry-ready skills to elevate guest experiences across Arkansas and beyond.”

Oaklawn hopes the investment will have a lasting impact on students as they prepare to enter a competitive and evolving industry.

“We hope this support empowers students to think boldly, lead confidently and gain practical experience that sets them apart,” Ho said. “Programs like SMASH help bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace, giving students a deeper understanding of what it takes to deliver exceptional guest experiences.”

“This commitment from Oaklawn reflects the power of industry partnership in strengthening academic excellence,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “We're grateful for Oaklawn's investment in the SMASH program and the confidence it signals in our students and in the university’s ability to prepare talent at the highest level. Their support elevates expectations and reinforces the connection between Arkansas employers and the next generation of University of Arkansas alumni who will shape this state’s hospitality economy.”

Located in Hot Springs, Oaklawn has operated as a thoroughbred racing venue since 1904. In 2021, the property completed a $100 million expansion that added resort amenities alongside its historic racetrack. Today, Oaklawn features a casino and sports book, hotel, full-service spa, multiple dining venues and flexible space for entertainment and events. Situated near Hot Springs National Park and the city’s historic downtown, Oaklawn serves as a year-round destination for racing, gaming, hospitality and group events.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas’ economy  through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.