LAREDO, TEXAS — The Laredo community mourns the loss of Carolyn M. Schmies, a deeply respected educator, trailblazer and community leader who passed away on December 24, 2025, at the age of 77. Schmies’ life was defined by service, leadership and an unwavering commitment to education and civic engagement. Her death has prompted an outpouring of condolences across the city from students, colleagues, nonprofit leaders, alumni and civic officials.
Schmies’ legacy reflects a remarkable journey from classroom teacher to college dean, from corporate leader to nonprofit champion. She was known not only for the barriers she broke but also for the compassion she showed to everyone she served.
Early Life and Influences
Born in Seattle, Washington, Carolyn Schmies grew up in a family devoted to service and faith. Her father was selected as the first African American missionary by his church, a role that took the family to various communities, including in India, where young Carolyn lived during her formative years. Those early experiences overseas shaped her worldview and instilled in her a lifelong passion for education, cultural understanding and community service.
Schmies earned a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication and Sociology from Anderson University and went on to receive a Master of Arts in Communication from Ball State University. Her academic background foreshadowed a career rooted in effective communication and leadership.
Trailblazing Career at General Motors
Schmies’ professional life began not in education, but in industry. After starting her career as a sixth-grade teacher and working briefly as a reference librarian, she joined General Motors in Indianapolis. Over the next 36 years, she ascended through the ranks to hold positions previously unattained by both women and people of color within the company.
She became the first female and first African American supervisor at General Motors and later made history as the company’s first female buyer. In her later years with GM, she worked in Mexico at the company’s maquiladora operations, where once again she broke new ground as both the first woman and the first African American on staff. Her work involved extensive travel and cross-cultural engagement, and she was widely admired for building bridges with Mexican communities and colleagues.
Transition to Laredo and New Ventures
After retiring from General Motors, Schmies chose to make Laredo her home in 1994. Her transition to civilian life did not diminish her drive to serve. She first worked as the catering director at the Laredo Country Club, but her entrepreneurial spirit soon led her to found Schmies and Associates, a consulting firm that specialized in training, communication and event planning.
Her business offered workshops and professional development across Laredo, helping local businesses and organizations improve their communication and leadership practices. Schmies’ work in this realm was widely respected, and she quickly became known as a community-minded consultant who used her corporate experience to uplift others.
Deep Commitment to Education at Laredo College
In 2009, Schmies returned to her roots in education by joining Laredo College (formerly Laredo Community College) as a speech instructor on the South Campus. It did not take long for her to make an impact. Within months, she was offered a full-time position and, shortly thereafter, promoted to Chair of the Reading and Communication Department. As the department evolved into the Business and Communication Department, Schmies’ leadership helped shape curriculum and academic success for hundreds of students.
In 2019, she was appointed interim dean of the South Campus, a role that quickly became permanent. As dean, Schmies oversaw one of the college’s most significant divisions, focusing on academic excellence, student support and community partnerships. Her leadership spanned 12 years, concluding with her retirement in 2021. Students and faculty recall her as a mentor who challenged them to think critically, act ethically and pursue excellence.
Schmies often spoke about the privilege she felt in shaping students’ futures. In past interviews, she said of her work, “Excellence is my goal in anything that I do. I have high expectations for myself. I love people, so I try to do my best by them.” Her emphasis on compassion and high standards became hallmarks of her educational philosophy.
Service Beyond Campus: Civic and Nonprofit Leadership
Beyond her professional roles, Schmies was heavily involved in civic and nonprofit work throughout Laredo. She held leadership positions with multiple 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
- Board Member of the Holding Institute
- Chair of the Laredo College United Way Committee
These roles expanded Schmies’ impact beyond the classroom into the broader community. She championed literacy, family services, youth leadership and volunteer engagement, becoming a familiar and beloved presence at community events, fundraisers and civic forums.
In 2025, Schmies served as president of United Way of Laredo, guiding the organization’s efforts to coordinate charitable giving and support for families across Webb County. Leaders at the nonprofit praised her strategic vision and heartfelt commitment to service.
Awards and Recognitions
Throughout her career, Schmies received numerous honors recognizing her leadership, courage and contributions to education and business. Among these awards were:
- 2017 Trailblazing Award for Women in Labor, Business and Education
- 2018 Trailblazing Award at the Young Women’s Student Leadership Summit
- Laredo College Trailblazing Women Award
- Black History Award from the U.S. Border Patrol
These accolades reflect not only her professional achievements but also her role as a role model for future generations of women and minority leaders. Her story inspired students and professionals alike, particularly those navigating traditionally male-dominated fields.
Reactions and Tributes from the Community
News of Schmies’ passing prompted heartfelt tributes from community leaders and friends.
Dr. Minita Ramirez, President of Laredo College, said, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Carolyn Schmies. Carolyn was a pillar of our community and played a vital role in shaping Laredo College’s history. Her generosity of spirit and dedication to students and the Laredo community will not be forgotten.”
Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Treviño echoed this sentiment, stating, “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.”
Peggy Duncan, Executive Director of United Way of Laredo, recalled Schmies as “an extraordinary leader whose contributions to our community will never be forgotten,” adding, “She was a woman of faith who spread the Lord’s light and love to everyone she met.”
A personal tribute from David Ovalle, a longtime friend and colleague, revealed the depth of Schmies’ influence beyond her official roles. Ovalle described Schmies as both a mentor and a guiding force, saying, “Mrs. Schmies, you may no longer be with us physically, but I know you are watching over us… Thank you for every prayer, every kind word and for loving us unconditionally.”
Remembering a Life of Impact
Carolyn Schmies’ life was one of remarkable breadth and impact. Whether pioneering corporate leadership roles, transforming educational programs, or championing community initiatives, her work touched countless lives in Laredo and beyond.
Her legacy will endure through the students she taught, the organizations she strengthened and the countless individuals she inspired with her example of service.
As arrangements for memorial services are finalized, the community continues to reflect on the meaningful and lasting contributions she made throughout her life. In a city known for its strong community bonds, Schmies’ passing represents not only the loss of a beloved educator and leader but also a moment to celebrate a life lived in service to others.
