Jane Harris Armfield graduated from Women’s College (now UNCG) in 1960 and was a civil rights leaders and advocate for higher education. She obtained a M.A. degree in Education from the University, and was also awarded an honorary degree in history from the University. She was involved with the University throughout her life in numerous capacities, including as president of the Friends of the Library, and as president of the Weatherspoon Art Gallery (now Weatherspoon Art Museum). The Armfield-Preyer Admissions and Visitor Center is partially named in her honor.
During her life she served on numerous boards throughout North Carolina, including on the board of the North Carolina Museum of History, and on the boards of trustees for Davidson College, Salem College, and Peace College. Additionally, she served on the board of directors of Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro for 25 years, and on the board of directors of Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill for 12 years.
She was named Greensboro’s Woman of the Year in 1969, and in 1981 was recognized by Governor James Hunt for her many years of service to institutions of higher learning in North Carolina.
Jane Harris Armfield died in 2000.