Article archive / April 1, 2011
Originally published: . Volume 2, No. 8. Source pages: 1, 16.
Dr. Ben Arnold died in Alexandria on March 19th. He was a licensed psycholo- gist and known to many in the community as a kind, giving man who led a life of thoughtful service to others, having followed a career path as an educator, trainer and psychologist.
Dr. John Simoneaux, a friend of Dr. Arnold’s for many years, said, “He was a sweet, humble, gentle man. He was truly one of the good guys.”
Another colleague, Dr. Kenneth Binns, told the Times that he and Ben had the same clinical advisor when they attended the U. of Mississippi. He said, “Ben was a very, very generous person, not in the least egotistical. Ben was concerned with the profession, and the overall profession being on the same team. He felt we could be more supportive of one another. Maybe this was his coaching background–Ben Arnold certainly understood that.”
According to his obituary, Dr. Ben Arnold earned his BS degree in science from Louisiana College in 1965 and for the next decade was a mathematics and science teacher, as well as coach, at Poland High School in Alexandria. Along the way he earned his masters in Education and School Administration, and was promoted to Assistant Principal, and then to Principal, until he retired from this position in 1987.
Also during his service at Poland he worked on his Masters Plus 30 from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, and in 1991 graduated from University of Mississippi in Oxford, with a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with emphasis in Counseling. He completed his internship in psychology at Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans.
Long time colleague of Ben’s, Dr. Lisa Harper who practices in Shreveport, said, “He was such a gentleman. What I admired about him most was that he was the perpetual student, always invested in learning more.”
In 1994 Ben went into private practice in Pineville and Natchitoches. As a licensed psychologist, Ben served on the staff of Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and the Natchitoches Mental Health Center. He also consulted to the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, Office of Juvenile Justice, and the Department of Children and Family Services. Ben conducted staff development for the Ware Youth Center in Coushatta.
He was a member of the Louisiana Psychological Association, the American Psychological Association, the Louisiana Group Psychotherapy Association, the American Society of Clinical Hyp- nosis, Phi Delta Kappa, the Louisiana Association of Educators, and National Associations of Elementary and Secondary School Principals.
For Ben’s obituary, family members wrote, “Even more than his many educational and professional accomplishments, it was his devotion and love for his family and friends that will be most remembered. Generous, compassionate, selfless and always quick to smile, he shared his whole heart. His passing has left a void in many lives, yet he has taught us how to be strong and thrive through life's uncertainties. He will be missed; however, we rejoice in having known him.”
According to friends, Ben’s death was unexpected. To extend online condolences to the family, go to www.hixsonbrothers.com. (Photo courtesy of HixonBro)
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