In Memoriam

Marvin Applewhite (’64 BS, Electrical Engineering), a former member of the President’s Advisory Board and the College of Engineering Board of Advisors, passed away on April 1, 2024, in Dallas, surrounded by family, including his wife of almost 58 years, Shirley. Applewhite was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus in 1991. He was a generous donor to the University, making several philanthropic investments at UTA, including the Marvin and Shirley Applewhite Scholarship Endowment.

Julia Burgen (’86 MS, Interdisciplinary Studies) passed away on Oct. 4, 2023, in Arlington. She was 81. Burgen, a former Arlington City Council member, consistently advocated for nature preservation. In 2017, Arlington city leaders dedicated a 66-acre park to her in acknowledgement of her work. She served on the Arlington Conservation Council, MPAC Women’s Political Action Committee, the Texas Committee on Natural Resources, Arlington’s Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Parks Bond Committee. She amassed many awards over her career, including the Texas Recreation and Parks Society Individual Award.

Darrin Curtis McMichael (’95 BA, Exercise and Sports Studies) passed away at the age of 51 on Sept. 21, 2023, in Dallas. McMichael was a 24-year veteran of the Arlington Police Department and a dedicated member of the motorcycle unit for the last 13 years. He also served as a patrol officer and detective in the North Patrol District. McMichael was a dedicated family man and father to his two daughters, Natalie and Daphne. He affectionately referred to Natalie, a UTA student, as his “mini-me.” McMichael found joy in working on the farm, tending to his animals, and spending quality time with his grandchildren.

Andrew Armstrong passed away on March 7, 2024, at the age of 88. He joined the faculty of the Department of Chemistry in 1969 and left UTA in the early 1980s to co-found Armstrong Forensic Laboratory, a highly successful testing facility, with his wife.

Don Beach, who served as an associate professor in UTA’s College of Education from 1973-81, passed away at the age of 76 on April 19, 2023, in Stephenville, Texas.

Kathryn Daniel, a dedicated nurse and scholar who worked in gerontological nursing for over 35 years, passed away on April 8, 2024. Dr. Daniel joined the faculty of the College of Nursing and Health Innovation in 2007 and served in various capacities until her passing, most recently as professor and associate dean for academic affairs.

Billy Wayne Duke, who retired as director of the Office of Continuing Education, passed away Oct. 14, 2023, at his home in Arlington. He was 85 years old. During his long UTA career, he held the roles of dean of student life and vice president of student affairs.

Michael Roner, who lived in Mansfield and joined the College of Science faculty in 2002, passed away on Feb. 21, 2024. He was 65. Dr. Roner was a much-beloved educator who taught courses in virology and immunobiology.