California State University at Bakersfield Athletics

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) — Arthur Smith, a veteran spirit coordinator and coach, has been a driving force behind the success of the CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners spirit program for 11 seasons.

Smith was appointed as the university's first Spirit Coordinator on Oct. 7, 2013, overseeing a split role between Athletics and Campus Programming. His primary focus was to enhance collaboration between campus-sponsored events and athletic events, enriching the overall student experience.

In May 2022, Smith transitioned to his current role as Assistant Marketing & Fan Experience. Throughout his tenure, his vision for the Roadrunners has remained steadfast: cultivating an environment that fosters teamwork, athletic competitiveness, personal and professional growth, and spirited leadership at events.

Under Smith's guidance, the CSU Bakersfield cheerleading team achieved notable successes, including consecutive Collegiate Open Division titles at the PPAACC championships in 2016 and 2017. The university's Winter guard team also secured a divisional title in the Open Division at PPAACC during the 2017-2018 season. In 2024, Smith led Rowdy the mascot to a United Spirit Association (USA Spirit) National Mascot Title.

Prior to joining CSU Bakersfield, Smith served in a similar capacity at Purdue University from 2006 to 2010. During his tenure, the Boilermakers secured four top-five finishes in the Division 1A Collegiate Cheer Team at the National Cheerleading Associate Championships in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Smith's coaching career also includes a stint as the head coach of the Wichita State University Small Co-Ed Cheerleading team during the 2005-2006 season. Under his leadership, the team secured the 2006 Nation's Best Championships Division 1A Championship, a first in program history.

As a student-athlete, Smith was a three-time captain for the Wichita State University cheerleading team from 2003 to 2005. He led his teams to three second-place finishes in the Division 1 at the National Cheerleading Associate Championships.

A native of Wichita, Kansas, Smith earned his undergraduate degree from Wichita State University in 2006, majoring in Minority Studies and Sociology. He currently resides in Bakersfield with his German Shepherd, Theodore.