Byron K. Armstrong was born in Westfield, Indiana. In 1909 he entered Howard University where he met Elder Watson Diggs. Together they transferred to Indiana University in the  fall of 1910. There he studied philosophy, mathematics, and sociology. After finishing Indiana University, he entered Columbia University where he earned his Master's degree in 1913. His early efforts in the the fraternity earned him the Laurel Wreath in 1935. In 1940 he earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Michigan. He went on to hold teaching position in Florida, Indiana, Kansas, and Oklahoma.