Benjamin Lee Arnold (died January 30, 1892) was an American academic and the second president of Oregon State University.

Benjamin Lee Arnold grew up in Mecklenburg County, Virginia.

from Randolph Macon College and taught in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

After graduating from Randolph-Macon College, he joined up with the Confederate States Army and served under General Robert E. Lee, he was discharged three months later because of a physical problem.

[2] As a Confederate veteran, arrived at the college "prepared to take charge of neglected military tactics as soon as arms arrived," and is credited with starting Oregon State University Army ROTC.