The Laredo community is mourning the loss of Carolyn Marie Schmies, a towering figure in local education and civic service who passed away on December 23, 2025, at the age of 77. Throughout her extensive career, Schmies became synonymous with the growth and student-focused mission of Laredo College (formerly Laredo Community College). Her death marks the end of an era for the institution she served with distinction for decades, leaving behind a legacy of academic excellence, administrative leadership, and a profound commitment to the South Texas region. Colleagues, former students, and community leaders have expressed a deep sense of loss, noting that her influence extended far beyond the classroom and into the very fabric of Laredo’s educational infrastructure.

Carolyn Schmies was more than just an administrator; she was a visionary who understood the transformative power of higher education in a border community. During her tenure at Laredo College, she held several pivotal roles, most notably serving as the Dean of the South Campus. In this capacity, she was instrumental in the campus’s development and its integration into the daily lives of Laredo’s residents. Her leadership was characterized by a rare blend of professional rigor and personal compassion, qualities that allowed her to navigate the complexities of higher education administration while never losing sight of the individual student. The impact of her work is visible today in the thriving programs and facilities that continue to serve thousands of Laredoans.

The news of her passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the city. Many remember her as a mentor who provided guidance to young faculty members and a tireless advocate for student success. Her involvement with the Laredo College Board of Trustees and various academic committees ensured that the college remained responsive to the needs of the workforce and the aspirations of its student body. Beyond her administrative duties, Schmies was deeply involved in community service, often leading initiatives that bridged the gap between the college and local non-profit organizations. Her life’s work serves as a testament to the idea that one individual’s dedication can elevate an entire community through the medium of education.

Born in 1948, Schmies witnessed and participated in the dramatic evolution of Laredo’s educational landscape. She joined Laredo College during a period of significant transition and played a key role in steering the institution through decades of growth. Her colleagues often remarked on her encyclopedic knowledge of college policy and her ability to solve complex problems with grace and efficiency. As the Dean of the South Campus, she oversaw a period of expansion that saw the introduction of new vocational and academic programs designed to provide residents of South Laredo with accessible, high-quality education. This focus on accessibility was a hallmark of her career, reflecting her belief that every resident deserved a path to a better future.

Academic Leadership and the Development of Laredo College South

One of the most significant chapters in Carolyn Schmies’ career was her leadership at the Laredo College South Campus. When the college expanded its footprint to better serve the southern part of the city, Schmies was tasked with ensuring the new campus met the high standards set by the historic Fort McIntosh location. Under her guidance, the South Campus became a hub for specialized training and academic advancement. She worked closely with faculty to develop curricula that met state standards while remaining relevant to the local economy. Her efforts ensured that the South Campus was not merely an extension of the college, but a vital institution in its own right, fostering a unique culture of learning and community engagement.

The administrative challenges of managing a college campus are manifold, yet Schmies handled them with a focused determination. She was known for her “open-door” policy, encouraging staff and students to share their concerns and ideas directly with her. This approachability helped foster a collaborative environment where innovation could flourish. Whether she was overseeing the construction of new facilities, managing departmental budgets, or coordinating student services, Schmies remained dedicated to the mission of the college. Her ability to balance the technical aspects of her job with a genuine care for the people she served made her a beloved figure on campus and a respected leader in the community.

Her work at the South Campus also involved significant outreach to local schools and businesses. Schmies recognized that for the college to be successful, it needed strong partnerships with the United Independent School District (UISD) and Laredo Independent School District (LISD). She was a frequent participant in community forums, representing Laredo College with professionalism and passion. By building these bridges, she helped create a seamless pipeline for students transitioning from high school to college, significantly improving the local college-attainment rates. Her strategic vision for the South Campus continues to bear fruit, as the institution remains a primary driver of economic mobility for the region.

In addition to her role as Dean, Schmies was a vital participant in the Laredo College United Way campaigns, demonstrating her commitment to the broader welfare of the city. She often led these efforts, rallying college employees to contribute to causes that supported health, education, and financial stability for all Laredoans. Her leadership in these campaigns was not just about fundraising; it was about instilling a sense of civic responsibility within the college community. She believed that an institution of higher learning should be an active participant in solving social issues, and she led by example in every project she undertook.

A Community Leader Dedicated to Civic Service

Carolyn Schmies’ influence extended well beyond the gates of Laredo College. She was a recognized community leader who understood that education and public service are inextricably linked. Throughout her life, she participated in numerous civic organizations and boards, always advocating for the betterment of Laredo. Her expertise was sought after in matters of public policy, particularly those affecting the youth and the underserved populations of the city. She was a voice of reason and experience in local discussions, known for her ability to synthesize complex information and provide practical solutions that benefited the public good.

The breadth of her service included:

Leadership in Educational Administration: Schmies spent decades at Laredo College, where she served as a Dean and a key advisor to multiple college presidents, helping to shape the institution’s long-term strategic plans.
Advocacy for Workforce Development: She played a crucial role in aligning college programs with the needs of local industries, ensuring that graduates possessed the skills necessary to succeed in the South Texas job market.
Philanthropic Coordination: As a leader of the Laredo College United Way campaigns, she successfully raised significant funds to support local non-profits and social service programs throughout the Laredo area.
Mentorship of Future Educators: Throughout her career, she mentored dozens of faculty members and administrative staff, passing on her knowledge of academic governance and her student-centered philosophy.
Community Representation: She served as a liaison between the college and various civic groups, ensuring that the college remained a transparent and accountable partner in the city’s development.
Support for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs): Her work was instrumental in securing grants and resources that specifically benefited the predominantly Hispanic student population of Laredo College, promoting equity in education.

Her dedication to service was recognized by numerous awards and commendations over the years. However, those who knew her well said that she was never motivated by accolades. Instead, she found her greatest satisfaction in seeing her students graduate and succeed in their chosen fields. She was a regular fixture at commencement ceremonies, where she would personally congratulate students on their achievements. For Schmies, every degree conferred was a victory for the family of the graduate and for the city of Laredo as a whole. This deep-seated belief in the power of education was the driving force behind her long and productive career.

Schmies was also known for her sharp intellect and her commitment to lifelong learning. She remained informed about the latest trends in higher education, often attending national conferences and bringing back innovative ideas to implement at Laredo College. She was particularly interested in how technology could be used to improve student outcomes and expand the reach of the college. Even in her later years, she remained engaged with the college community, offering her insights and support whenever needed. Her legacy is one of continuous improvement and an unwavering pursuit of excellence in all facets of life.

Impact on the Laredo College Board of Trustees and Governance

The governance of Laredo College was significantly influenced by Carolyn Schmies’ expertise. Although she was an administrator, her interactions with the Board of Trustees were characterized by a deep respect for the democratic process and the mission of the institution. She provided the board with the data and analysis they needed to make informed decisions regarding the college’s future. Her reports were known for their clarity and thoroughness, reflecting her commitment to transparency and accountability. By providing a stable and professional bridge between the administration and the board, she helped ensure the college’s long-term sustainability.

During times of challenge, such as budgetary constraints or administrative transitions, Schmies was a steadying presence. She understood the history of the college and the nuances of the community, which allowed her to provide valuable context for the board’s deliberations. Her institutional memory was an asset that helped the college avoid past mistakes and build on previous successes. Colleagues remember her as a person who could maintain focus on the core mission of student success, even when faced with political or financial pressures. This steadfastness earned her the respect of trustees from across the political spectrum.

Furthermore, Schmies was a staunch defender of academic freedom and faculty rights. She believed that a healthy college environment required a robust dialogue between the administration and the faculty senate. She worked to ensure that faculty voices were heard in the decision-making process, fostering a culture of shared governance. This commitment to collaboration helped Laredo College attract and retain high-quality educators who were dedicated to their students. Her work in this area ensured that the college remained an intellectually vibrant place where both students and teachers could thrive.

The legacy of Carolyn Schmies is also found in the physical transformation of the college campuses. She was involved in the planning and oversight of numerous capital projects that modernized the facilities and provided students with state-of-the-art learning environments. From the renovation of historic buildings at Fort McIntosh to the construction of new science and technology labs at the South Campus, her finger-prints are on the infrastructure that will serve Laredo for generations. These buildings are more than just brick and mortar; they are symbols of the community’s commitment to progress, a commitment that Schmies embodied throughout her life.

Conclusion

The passing of Carolyn Schmies is a significant loss for Laredo, but her legacy will continue to resonate through the lives of the thousands of students she impacted. As an educator, dean, and community leader, she set a standard for service and excellence that will inspire future generations of Laredoans. Her work at Laredo College helped build a foundation for growth and opportunity that has transformed the city. While the community mourns her death, it also celebrates a life lived with purpose, integrity, and a profound love for her city and its people. Carolyn Schmies will be remembered as a pioneer of South Texas education and a champion for the success of every student who walked through the doors of Laredo College.