Dr. Susan Arseven had an unusual start to her career in computer science. She first received a B.S. degree in physics from the University of Michigan in 1963 then moved on to obtain a M.S. degree in library sciences from Columbia University in New York City. From there, Dr. Arseven took a job with IBM and worked on pioneering library automation systems. She led the University of Pennsylvania team that established the first automated circulation control and catalog system in a major university library.

After obtaining her Ph.D. in Computer Science from Texas A&M University in 1975, Dr. Arseven joined American Cyanamid as a systems analyst within the Medical Research Division. She advanced steadily, becoming director of information services for the Agricultural Group and then the Medical Group.

In 1981, Dr. Arseven completed the Executive MBA program at Columbia University. In 1991, she achieved the post of Chief Information Officer for Cyanamid, a position held until 1995. At that time, Dr. Arseven became the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Union Camp Corporation, a position she held until 1999.

During her career, Dr. Arseven served on the advisory board of the School of Computer Science at Pace University. She was also active in community organizations and local government.

Three endowments honoring Dr. Susan Arseven have been established at TAMU by her husband Dr. Ersen Arseven '74, Ph.D. in Statistics. The endowments include a scholarship in Computer Science, a Foundation Excellence award in science and an annual award and financial support, to help fund the Women in Science and Engineering annual professional and career development conference.