David W. Hartman
October 29, 1942 ~ December 30, 2020
David W. Hartman was born in Wichita, KS to Wayne and Helen Hartman on October 29, 1942 and passed away on December 30, 2020. David is survived by his son, Christopher of Highland Village, TX; sister, Delaine Hartman of Wichita, KS; and stepchildren, Jessie, Alex, Carlos and Lydia. He is preceded in death by his parents and infant sister, Ermalynn.
David graduated from North High in the class of ’60. He then attended Wichita State University, receiving his B. S. and his Masters degree in Anthropology. He received his PHD in Urban Anthropology at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. David taught at Wayne State University, Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA and retired from the University of North Texas in Denton, TX. While at UNT David had numerous innovative and progressive accomplishments; first as Associate Dean of the School of Community Service and ultimately as Dean of what became, under his leadership, the College of Public Affairs and Community Service at UNT. Enrollment in the College expanded continually under his leadership, along with the institution of new majors and specialization areas. He was instrumental in the growth and expansion of all of the academic departments in the College. One of David’s major priorities was the implementation of innovative initiatives specifically designed to expand academic research and service collaboration between the University and the community. Student diversity was particularly important to him and he was responsible for the development of two scholarships that helped to influence the College’s role in expanding opportunities of students. David championed the first online graduate program in Rehabilitation Counseling in the country and the first minor in addiction studies at a four-year university. David laid the foundation for the development and implementation of on-line learning thereby positioning it for the significant role that it now plays within the College. International education was another priority for him at UNT and he established successful academic programs in Sociology and Anthropology in Jerusalem, Israel and in Mazamitla, Mexico.
In retirement, David resided in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. While living there, David suffered a stroke to his Optic Nerve which caused him to lose his sight. He overcame that disability amazingly and has been able to live independently for several years.
David’s family is grateful for the care and concern he received from the staff of Presbyterian Manor, Assisted Living; his home for the past 5 years. There will be no service at this time due to the restrictions with the “COVID 19” which caused David’s passing.
Memorial gifts may be given to the Libertad Hernandez Landa Scholarship that David established in order to honor the work of Dr. Landa. Contributions may be mailed to the University of North Texas Advancement, Attn: Paula Jonse, Dr. Director of Development, 1155 Union Cir #311250, Denton, TX 76203-5017, or given online at www.giving.unt.edu with reference to the fund.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
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In the 60’s David had a school age job at Brick’s Men’s Wear in downtown Wichita. I was l a 13+ year old kid (or there abouts). I spent a truly great amount of time with David, as he was assigned to look after a very naive & young son of the family that owned the store. He was always great to me, often taking me on errands, deliveries, and the like, then at the end of the day allowing me to supervise his sweeping up and getting ready to closeup–he had lots of tasks around the store and did them well !! He would show me what-was-what, sometimes even with comments about the customers and salesmen who were around the store. Truly a kind guy and worker, who never made it seem like a task to help me out. He also was really respected by the older salesmen and my family. Thought on occasions about Dave (ABC’s David Hartman helped with that) and also Wayne, who I knew from being in the store and also helping with family Zenith purchases in the 60’s. Wayne and his bow tie were always appreciated, as he was a great gentleman. So glad to see David had such a wide and meaningful career, with so many achievements and was rewarded for his efforts. I left for Ohio State in 67, and never ran into David. Boy we would have had some laughs ( certainly from different perspectives). I so remember his great kindness and role in helping me. Bob Brick