Galloway, N.J. – Brent Arnold began his career at Stockton in the summer of 2021, taking on the role of dean of the School of Health Sciences. He previously was chair of the Department of Health Sciences at the Indiana University (IU) School of Health and Human Sciences. He led several successful curriculum changes and managed Indiana University and Virginia Commonwealth University academic programs.

He recently was awarded the W. W. Patty Distinguished Alumni Award from IU, the oldest of the school’s distinguished alumni awards. It is presented annually to graduates of the School of Public Health-Bloomington and its prior incarnation as Health, Physical Education and Recreation who have demonstrated outstanding personal and professional achievement in fostering the wide-ranging missions of public health.

Arnold, who graduated from IU in 1996, majored in Athletic Training but was also working on a minor in biology so he could eventually teach high school biology. 

“Ultimately, I dropped the minor when I decided to focus on full-time Athletic Training as a career,” Arnold said. 

When asked why this specific award was so significant, he said, “I have had the good fortune to win other awards across my career. However, this one is probably the most meaningful to me. This award is from my original institution. It represents where my career really started. So, this is coming full circle. I believe it emphasizes that the efforts I started at Indiana University truly have been impactful.”

When Arnold learned about being selected, he felt humbled.

“In my view, this really is the ultimate in career recognition. To be an Indiana native that graduated from Indiana University, the state’s flagship institution, and then be selected for this recognition is an experience to be genuinely appreciated.”

Arnold, a first-generation college graduate, believes this award recognition reflects the years of support by others.

“My wife has always given full support of my career, without which much of this would not be possible. My parents supported me by sending me to college and helping me become the first family member to have a college education,” he reflected. “My mentors across my entire career were essential in helping me move my career forward and achieve many accomplishments. My friends have helped me maintain balance and remind me I can’t think about work all the time. Also, this represents the efforts of my students. Many of the things I have accomplished result from collaborations with students.” 

And it’s no surprise Arnold has fully embraced being an Osprey. “I believe this award directly ties back to Stockton. Being given the opportunity to be Dean of the School of Health Sciences is truly an honor, and I believe without the opportunity afforded me by Stockton, this award would not have been possible.”

Reported by Mandee McCullough

Photo provided by Indiana University