Daniel Armitage Community Builder Award

 

As an undergraduate Danny worked as an RA at Austin Peay State University.  After graduation he accepted a position as a Community Director at APSU before moving on to the University of Memphis to further his education and career.  At the U of M, he began as a Hall Director and after 30 + years, he retired as the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students.  In 2016, Danny had the good fortune to be offered an opportunity to join the exceptional Student Affairs professionals at the University of North Texas.  He proudly served as the Associate Vice President of Auxiliary Services at UNT where he continued his life’s work for more than a decade. 

Danny served less like a traditional administrator and more like a master architect of both campus culture and literal concrete. He was a trusted mentor and lifelong friend to many generations of students and colleagues. Danny was dedicated to mentoring young professionals. There are countless people working in housing and dining across the profession who are where they are because he invested his time mentoring and caring for them. His deep understanding of the value of community meant that no one was left on the outside looking in, and his visionary approach turned abstract places into thriving student hubs. He truly mastered the art of "placemaking.”  His vision shaped iconic spaces centered on engagement for past and future generations of students. Places like the University Center, the Living Learning Complex, and Centennial Place at the University of Memphis were shaped by his creativity and vision.  At UNT he championed Joe Green Hall, The Welcome Center, Eagle Landing, and others.  Danny possessed the rare, uncanny ability of looking at a blueprint and somehow understanding how those spaces could shape human connections. Above all, he wanted to ensure every student had a way to become involved and a place to belong. The energy he helped create on campus was evidenced in stronger retention, higher graduation rates, and a more engaged student body at UNT.

His creative drive lead to the founding of Southern Placement Exchange leading to hundreds of new professionals entering the field.  He was an active leader in Region III of NASPA and served as President of the National Association of College Auxiliary Services, helping shape the profession nationwide. Danny also created a one stop shop for conference and event planning to make it easier to bring people together.  Even with all of that,  he still made time to publish alongside his colleagues, sharing what he learned so others could build upon that foundation. 

His influence was woven directly into the fabric of these communities through intentionally building one on one relationships, amazing stories and always finding joy in daily life. He was often seen walking around campus, engaging with students, faculty, and staff often asking them to “Tell me something good”. 

His family created this scholarship fund in memory of his legacy and to support an outstanding Resident Advisor each year who demonstrates the values that Danny held most dear: service, consideration, community, and kindness. They hope the Danny Armitage Community Builder Award will empower future generations of UNT students to pursue their goals, serve their communities, and lead with compassion.