Around 1955, at the age of 21, Arthur received a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Santa Clara University.

After turning 23, he traveled to Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar where he earned a degree in philosophy, politics, and economics.

Three months later he controversially overturned an FDA review board and approved the use of aspartame in dry foods.

[3] He was finally investigated for accepting free lodging and travel from industry trade groups, double billing, and questionable reimbursements for private speaking engagements.

[4][5] He resigned on September 11, 1983, to become dean and provost of New York Medical College in Valhalla, N.Y. and was named president of EM Pharmaceuticals Inc.[citation needed] Hayes died from leukemia on February 11, 2010, at the age of 76.