Grand Valley State Director of Athletics,
Keri Becker, announced today the return of Dr. D.F. Arnold as the Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Engagement & Development. Arnold spent the last three years as the Assistant Athletic Director of Football Player Development and Engagement at Louisiana State University. Prior to his time at LSU, Dr. Arnold spent 18 years at Grand Valley State serving as the Director of Academic Services for Laker Athletics.
"I am excited to welcome Dr. D.F. Arnold back to Grand Valley State as the Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Engagement & Development," said Becker. "This role is at the heart of our mission to support student-athletes not just on the field and in the classroom—but in every aspect of their lives. Dr. Arnold brings an incredible energy, and a powerful skill set that will make a lasting impact on our Lakers. He is a connector, a motivator, and a leader that makes everyone around him to be their best," added Becker.
In his role Arnold will be responsible for the success of the athletics department's student-athlete leadership, engagement, and development initiatives. In addition, he will collaborate and build relationships with campus partners that impact the student-athlete experience. Dr. Arnold will also work closely with the GVSU Career Center and the Laker Academic Success Center (LASC).
"It has been an extraordinary honor to serve within LSU Football under the leadership of Coach Brian Kelly, an environment built on excellence, discipline, and a deep commitment to the total development of student-athletes," said Arnold. "While it's never easy to leave a program with such rich tradition and incredible young men, I'm excited and honored to return to Grand Valley State University, an institution that not only helped shape the foundation of who I am, but also shares in a proud tradition of success. I look forward to developing programming that not only builds elite athletes but prepares them for a life of purpose beyond the game."
A native of Cleveland Ohio, Dr. Arnold spent 18 years at Grand Valley State University serving as the director of academic services for Laker Athletics before joining Brian Kelly's staff at LSU. While at LSU, Dr. Arnold played a key role in the day-to-day well-being of LSU's football student-athletes and worked daily with the players on personal development outside the game of football. He was active in community service endeavors for the football team as well as creating opportunities for personal brand development. Dr. Arnold was selected to represent LSU on the SEC Opportunity Forum, a professional development program in the conference. He participated in the NCAA Elite Football Symposium in 2023 and 2024.
Dr. Arnold has long been a successful motivational speaker and has provided leadership training to a wide range of groups – professionals, executives, athletes, students and individuals across the United States – during his career.
He has also been a facilitator at the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) leadership conferences. He has served on panels to discuss the state of public schools, and is the author of The African American Student Athlete Experience at a Predominately White Institution.
Arnold has authored several powerful and life-changing inspirational books including "It's Not a Secret, It's Just Life" and "The PyramIT of Purpose". He's also the host of a podcast titled "The Purposed Lab".
Dr. Arnold holds an A.A. in Behavioral Science from Citrus Community College, a B.A. and an M.A. from Chico State University, as well as an M.S. in Sports Psychology from the University of Idaho. Dr. Arnold received his Ph.D. in Education Administration from Washington State University.
