He created the month-long Winter Term which allows students to spend four weeks in January to enroll in one intensive course or pursue independent research or internships. Armstrong is credited with laying the groundwork for Middlebury's emergence as a nationally renowned institution, significantly growing the College's enrollment, endowment and physical plant.
Armstrong introduced the Winter Term, a four-week period in January where students can enroll in an intensive course, conduct independent research, or participate in internships. This innovation helped establish Middlebury as a prominent national institution, leading to significant growth in enrollment, endowment, and campus infrastructure.