Her approach at Maxwell also draws on two decades of experience at top academic institutions. At Cornell University’s Johnson School of Management, she redesigned the technology career curriculum, advised MBA students and grew the school’s High Tech Club into its largest professional organization. At MIT’s School of Engineering, she managed the Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program, helping engineering students integrate professional skills with technical expertise. And, at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Center for Public Leadership, she coordinated interdisciplinary fellowship programs that immersed graduate students in dialogue with influential leaders.

Across roles, Arnold says she has focused on three core principles: applied learning that connects classroom theory with real-world practice, cross-sector relationship-building, and leadership development that empowers diverse voices. “Whether I was working with engineering students at Google, MBA candidates at Cornell or community members, the approach has been the same—give people the tools, connections and confidence to create change,” she says.

Already, Arnold is building connections with organizations in Syracuse, Rochester and Utica to expand experiential learning opportunities for students. She recently met nonprofit representatives at a volunteer recruitment fair organized by CCE students. She is also collaborating with CCE Director Amy Schmidt ’14 M.P.A. to create new pathways.

“We are thrilled to welcome Liz to the Maxwell School, and we have already seen how her background in higher education, leadership development and innovation is inspiring students,” says Schmidt. “I can't wait to see how her teaching evolves over the coming semesters, and how her expertise leads to exciting new community partnerships."

Dean David M. Van Slyke adds that Arnold’s record of partnership building offers Maxwell students both global perspective and local practice. “She embodies the ideals of engaged citizenship on which the Maxwell School was founded 100 years ago,” he says.

Arnold's commitment to civic life is deeply rooted. Her mother served on a school board, her father was a town justice and several other relatives have been involved in local government, churches and arts organizations.

“Watching my family serve our community taught me that democracy isn't just about voting,” she says. “It's about showing up, doing the work and building relationships.”

Arnold has carried that tradition forward as a trustee for the village of Homer, New York, president of the Zonta Club of Cortland, a gubernatorial appointee to the SUNY Cortland College Council, and in her work to help her hometown secure a $10 million New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant. She also founded Digital Orchards, a career coaching and advisory firm.

Arnold received an MBA from the Université de Genève, a master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of Arizona, and a bachelor’s degree in religion from Princeton University.

“I'm consistently impressed by how talented and thoughtful my students are— they are genuinely committed to making a difference in their communities,” says Arnold. “What I hope to teach them is that when you pair natural curiosity and commitment with strong analytical skills and hands-on experience, you can evolve into the type of leader that creates lasting change. I see my role as helping them learn that effective community engagement requires both heart and rigor to create meaningful impact.”

By Jessica Youngman