While her classmates might remember her as SAC Homecoming Queen of 1961, today, Dr. Dixie Arnold is known for improving the lives and conditions of local children and youth. Currently Associate Professor and Chair of Liberal Studies at Vanguard University of Southern California, Dixie began her teaching career as an elementary school teacher with Savanna School District in Anaheim. Since then, she has crusaded for children who become overwhelmed or lost in the public school system.

Dixie has always put children first: at Savanna, she developed a Healthy Start program and coordinated an ESL program. Under her leadership and guidance, the school was recognized as a California Distinguished School. In addition, Dixie’s served as master teacher for Cal State Fullerton, authored motivational and parent education articles for local publications, directed program quality reviews for Orange County schools and chaired the District Curriculum Development Committee.

Outside of the classroom, Dixie has been affiliated with many community and education organizations, such as the American Association of University Women, the Association of California School Administrators, where she was charter president, the Southern Counties Women in Educational Management, and the Huntington Beach Education Foundation. She has also been active in several civic groups, including Olive Crest Town (founding member), Gown and Apron Group, World Affairs Council of Orange County, Assistance League of Huntington Beach, and the Special Olympics.

Honored by the California and National Parent Teachers Association for her work, upon retiring in 2003, Dixie founded the “Dr. Dixie Arnold Teacher Grant” to help teachers pursue innovative and creative projects with their students. She is married to fellow SAC graduate and Hall of Famer, Ed Arnold.

Santa Ana College, Class of 1962