Filegajah

Carolyn Schmies, a respected educator and community leader who dedicated her life to education and public service, has died. She was 77.

The Laredo community expressed an outpouring of condolences following Schmies’ death, praising her decades of work in education and her unwavering commitment to community service.

Schmies had been a resident of Laredo since 1994, when she moved from Indiana. She was married to Kenneth Robert Schmies for 28 years.

A Seattle native, Schmies moved frequently and traveled extensively from a young age. During her childhood and teenage years, she lived in Ohio, Pennsylvania and India due to her father’s work. He was a pastor who was selected as the first African American missionary for his church.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts in speech communication and sociology from Anderson University and a Master of Arts in communication from Ball State University. From the beginning of her career, Schmies was passionate about teaching and helping students succeed.

Her professional career began in Indianapolis, where she worked as a sixth-grade teacher. She later spent six months as a reference librarian before joining General Motors, where she worked for more than 36 years. Known for her strong work ethic and leadership abilities, Schmies became the first woman and first African American supervisor at General Motors. She was later promoted to become the company’s first female buyer.

After several promotions, she was relocated to Laredo and worked in Mexico at the company’s maquiladora operations, where she once again became the first woman and first African American on staff. She traveled extensively throughout Mexico and developed a deep appreciation for its people and culture.

Following her retirement from General Motors, Schmies served as catering director at the Laredo Country Club before founding her own consulting firm, Schmies and Associates, which specialized in training and event planning.

In 2009, she joined Laredo College as a speech instructor. She began as an adjunct instructor at the South Campus and was offered a full-time position just months later. Within a year, she was promoted to chair of the Reading and Communication Department and relocated to the Fort McIntosh Campus.

The department was later renamed the Business and Communication Department. After serving as chair for another year and a half, Schmies resigned from the position to return to the classroom. She remained there until 2019, when she was appointed interim dean of the South Campus. A few months later, she was officially named dean of the South Campus, overseeing one of the college’s most important divisions.

A trailblazer who excelled in traditionally male-dominated spaces, Schmies was known for her compassion and advocacy for others.

“Excellence is my goal in anything that I do,” she said in a previous interview. “I have high expectations for myself. I love people, so I try to do my best by them. Being the first female and Black person in many of my roles adds extra incentive to be at the top of my game. I am very dedicated and willing to go the distance.”

Throughout her life, Schmies remained deeply involved in the community. She held leadership roles in numerous nonprofit and civic organizations, including president of United Way of Laredo, president of Literacy Volunteers of Laredo, vice president of the Optimist Club, regional ambassador for Leadership Women, a board member of the Holding Institute and chair of the Laredo College United Way Committee.

She received multiple honors, including the 2017 Trailblazing Award for Women in Labor, Business and Education; the 2018 Trailblazing Award at the Young Women’s Student Leadership Summit; the Laredo College Trailblazing Women Award; and a Black History Award from the U.S. Border Patrol.

Upon retiring from Laredo College, Schmies said she felt grateful for a life defined by hard work and meaningful accomplishments. While she valued every position she held, she said serving as dean of the South Campus ranked highest.

She credited the college as a rewarding place to work and expressed confidence in its continued success. She also thanked then-Laredo College President Ricardo Solis for recognizing her abilities and giving her the opportunity to lead.

Laredo College President Dr. Minita Ramírez highlighted Schmies’ lasting impact on students and the community.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Carolyn Schmies,” Ramírez said. “Carolyn was a pillar of our community and played a vital role in shaping Laredo College’s history. She retired in 2021 as dean of the South Campus after 12 years of dedicated service and continued to uplift our community through her charitable work. She was a generous soul who always placed the needs of students and the community above her own.”

Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Treviño highlighted the vocation for service that distinguished Carolyn Schmies.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Carolyn Schmies, president of United Way of Laredo and a true servant leader in our community,” he said. “Carolyn devoted her life to education and to lifting up families across Laredo through compassion, service and dedication. Her legacy will continue to inspire us.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends and all those whose lives she touched.”

Peggy Duncan, Executive Director of United Way of Laredo, expressed sadness over the news and praised Carolyn Schmies for her dedication to serving others.

“Words cannot express the sadness we feel. This loss comes as a shock to everyone who knew her,” Duncan said. “Carolyn was an extraordinary leader, and her contributions to our community will never be forgotten.”

Duncan said Schmies served this year as president of United Way of Laredo and shared her time, talent and leadership with several organizations.

“Carolyn will be greatly missed. She was a woman of faith who spread the Lord’s light and love to everyone she met,” she said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband, Kenn, and their family and friends during this difficult time.”

David Ovalle, member of United Way of Laredo, businessman and a dear friend of Schmies, shared a personal tribute in a Facebook post, describing Schmies as a mentor, friend and guiding force in his life.

“Our journey began when she was my professor, but what started in a classroom grew into something so much more,” Ovalle wrote. He credited Schmies with encouraging him to become involved with United Way, a decision he described as life-changing.

Ovalle said Schmies continued to guide and support him, including during her campaign as president of United Way of Laredo.

“Mrs. Schmies, you may no longer be with us physically, but I know you are watching over us,” he wrote. “Thank you for every prayer, every kind word and for loving us unconditionally. You will forever be missed, but never forgotten.”