Dr. D.F. Arnold

Dr. D.F. Arnold is the Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Engagement & Development. Dr. 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. 
Dr. Arnold is responsible for the success of the athletics department's student-athlete leadership, engagement, and development initiatives. In addition, he collaborates and build relationships with campus partners that impact the student-athlete experience. 
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.
Dr. 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.

Sara Corman

Sara Corman serves as the Director of Student-Athlete Experience at Grand Valley State University, where she focuses on the holistic growth and wellbeing of Laker student-athletes. With a background as a Sport Social Worker, Sara brings a strength’s-based approach to supporting athletes in leadership, identity development, mental health, and life skills. 

Passionate about preparing student-athletes for life beyond sport, Sara designs and leads initiatives that align with the departments L.I.F.E. principles- Leadership, Identity, Financial Literacy, and Empowerment. Her work brings mental health, career readiness, and personal development to ensure every Laker thrives both during and after their time at GVSU. 

Sara has been married to her high school sweetheart for 20 years and has 2 children (a son-16 and a daughter-12).