Who was Carolyn Schmies? Why Laredo is mourning a Trailblazing Educator and Community Leader
Dean Carolyn Schmies. Image Credit: Laredo College
Laredo is mourning the loss of Carolyn Schmies, a respected educator, trailblazer, and community leader whose decades of service reshaped education and civic life across the city. Schmies died at the age of 77, prompting an outpouring of tributes from educators, elected officials, nonprofit leaders, and former students who credit her with changing lives.
Her death marks more than the loss of an individual, it represents the passing of a generation of principled, service-driven leadership that helped expand opportunity in Laredo.
A Life Rooted in Education and Service
Carolyn Schmies moved to Laredo in 1994 after a long professional career that blended education, corporate leadership, and public service. A Seattle native, she spent her early years living across the United States and abroad, including time in India, where her father served as the first African American missionary for his church.
She earned a Bachelor’s degree in speech communication and sociology from Anderson University and a Master’s degree in communication from Ball State University, credentials that would later shape her influential teaching career.
Her early work included teaching sixth grade and serving as a reference librarian before joining General Motors, where she spent more than 36 years and broke barriers as the first woman and first African American supervisor and buyer in several roles.
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Breaking Barriers at General Motors and Beyond
At General Motors, Schmies repeatedly entered spaces where women and people of color were historically excluded. Her leadership eventually took her to Mexico’s maquiladora operations, where she again became the first woman and first African American on staff.
Colleagues often described her as disciplined, compassionate, and uncompromising in her pursuit of excellence, qualities she later brought to education in Laredo.
Transforming Laredo College and Student Access
After retiring from General Motors, Schmies joined Laredo College in 2009 as a speech instructor. Her impact was immediate. Within months, she transitioned from adjunct to full-time faculty and soon became chair of the Reading and Communication Department, later renamed the Business and Communication Department.
In 2019, she was appointed interim dean of the South Campus, and shortly afterward became its official dean, a role she described as the most meaningful of her career. She retired in 2021 after 12 years of service, leaving behind expanded academic access and a stronger institutional culture.
A Pillar of Community Leadership in Laredo
Beyond the classroom, Schmies was deeply involved in civic life. She served as president of United Way of Laredo, president of Literacy Volunteers of Laredo, vice president of the Optimist Club, and held leadership roles in multiple nonprofit organizations.
In 2025, she was serving as president of United Way of Laredo, championing programs that supported families, education, and economic stability across the city.
Her work earned numerous honors, including Trailblazing Awards in labor, business, and education, as well as a Black History Award from the U.S. Border Patrol.
Tributes Pour In Following Her Death
Laredo College President Dr. Minita Ramírez described Schmies as “a pillar of our community,” while Mayor Dr. Victor Treviño praised her lifelong dedication to service and compassion.
Friends, colleagues, and former students consistently referred to her as a mentor, advocate, and guiding force whose influence extended far beyond any single role.
What Carolyn Schmies’ Death Means for Laredo
Carolyn Schmies’ passing leaves a profound void in Laredo’s educational and nonprofit leadership landscape. At a time when communities face growing challenges, her legacy stands as a reminder of what dedicated, ethical leadership can achieve.
Her influence will live on through the institutions she strengthened, the students she mentored, and the families uplifted through her work.
Funeral and memorial service details are expected to be announced in January.
FAQ
Who was Carolyn Schmies?
Carolyn Schmies was a respected educator, former dean of Laredo College’s South Campus, and president of United Way of Laredo known for decades of service in education and community leadership.
How did Carolyn Schmies die?
Her death was announced on December 24, 2025. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
What was Carolyn Schmies known for in Laredo?
She was known for expanding educational access, mentoring students, leading nonprofit organizations, and breaking racial and gender barriers in leadership roles.
What role did Carolyn Schmies play at Laredo College?
She served as a speech instructor, department chair, and later as dean of the South Campus for 12 years before retiring in 2021.
Why is Carolyn Schmies’ death significant?
Her death marks the loss of a trailblazing leader whose work shaped education, nonprofit service, and civic leadership in Laredo.
Was Carolyn Schmies involved with United Way of Laredo?
Yes. She served as president of United Way of Laredo in 2025 and was deeply involved in charitable initiatives across the city.
When will funeral arrangements be announced?
According to reports, funeral and memorial service details are expected to be released in January.