Staff Q and A: Arthur Smith

By California State University, Bakersfield

March 20^th, 2024

What is your role on campus and how long have you worked at CSUB?

I currently serve in Marketing & Fan Engagement, along with being the head coach for the cheerleading team & spirit coordinator (which includes oversight of the dance team and Rowdy the Mascot). I have been at CSU Bakersfield since October of 2013.

What does your role entail?

I assist in marketing ideas for the overall fan experience at home sporting events, coach our cheerleading team and serve as emcee for home sporting events. Engaging with `Runner fans is my daily mission.

Why were you drawn to CSUB initially?

I had never been to California, so moving closer to beaches and sunshine was my initial draw.

What is your favorite part of working at the university?

The people. There are great people in so many different departments across campus. Also, my athletes make each day special in their own little ways.

What are some of the efforts/programming your area is involved in?

I work closely with Campus Programming (Homecoming & special events), Enrollment Services (Future Runner Day), Student Housing (`Runner Kick It Nights & Move-In Day) and, of course, Athletics.

How does the fan experience/spirit squad play a part in the overall student experience at CSUB?

I believe positive, spirited experiences play into the lasting memories of attending events. When a fan or student has a positive engagement with a spirit squad member, such as catching a shirt in the stands or winning a prize at an event, it means something.

What do you think is the biggest misconception when it comes to your area on campus?

I would think the idea that everything is just fun and games. Not that there isn’t a lot of fun taking place. However, there are countless hours invested in planning events, thinking about how people will react to this or that. In terms of spirit squad, the countless hours invested in practice and training. Many think what they do is easy and that anyone can do it. WRONG! They are talented student-athletes in every way.

How do you see the spirit squad/cheer/student life continuing to grow and expand in the years to come at games and other campus events?

I believe doing more of the same events each year will become a tradition. I think moving to the Big West Conference will help us grow the local fan base because they will have friends or family of the other conference member schools so they will have someone to root against in support of their `Runners. I also think the more our on-campus living number increases (students living in on-campus housing), the better it is for our fan base.

How have you seen the community gather and support CSUB Athletics/school spirit over the last couple of years?

I have seen an increased interest in our student-athletes as people, more so than in years prior. I think that sense of community and family is what makes CSU Bakersfield a special place.

Is there anything else you think people should know about your department that people might not already know?

I would just want the campus and Bakersfield community to know that for me, I live CSUB Athletics daily. Every day I wake up and think ‘How can I build a Roadrunner fan today?’ I listen to what our community fans say and I listen to what our student fans say. My whole reason for being at CSUB is to help make the experience our event goers have memorable.