Schmidt, former San Marcos Academy president, dies

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Victor Schmidt, who retired just five months ago as president of San Marcos Baptist Academy, died Dec. 19 in San Antonio. He was 64.

Schmidt had retired July 1 as the academy’s 12th president. He served the Baptist General Convention of Texas-related institution 16 years in a variety of administrative roles.

Victor Schmidt

Schmidt joined the academy staff in April 1992 as the commandant of cadets and dean of boys. He then served as principal from July 1997 until June 2000, when he became executive vice president. The board of trustees appointed him president on Nov. 13, 2001.

“Vic Schmidt had the leadership qualities, the integrity and the willingness to guide the Academy during good times and difficult ones,” said Billy Belcher, chairman of the academy’s board of trustees. “He served the academy with honor and distinction, achieving many of the our long-term goals. He will be sorely missed.”

Board of trustees Vice Chair Jimmie Scott praised Schmid for leading the academy in an extraordinary way during a pivotal time in our history.”
“His work as commandant, principal, executive vice president and finally as the president was exemplary by all standards. He was highly loyal and completely committed to this school, and he inspired others to share that commitment,” Scott said.

Academy President John Garrison also paid tribute to his predecessor.

“Vic Schmidt committed his life to service . . . service to his country and service to San Marcos Baptist Academy. His exemplary leadership and his many contributions to the academy will be remembered by the students, faculty and staff members whose lives he touched,” Garrison said.

Before joining the academy staff, Schmidt completed a 24-year active duty career in the U.S. Army, retiring as a lieutenant colonel.  He served in a wide variety of command and staff positions in the United States, Vietnam and Germany.

Under Schmidt’s leadership as president, the academy experienced 32 percent growth in enrollment.


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Additionally, the academy expanded its learning skills program, increased its property holdings, established an animal husbandry program with a full range of 4-H activities and created a comprehensive strategic plan for the academy’s future.

Under Schmidt’s guidance, the academy established a student advisory program, providing staff mentors for all students, and initiated a dual-credit college course program, which now engages more than 47 percent of eligible students in college courses.

Upon his retirement, Schmidt received the highest award the academy can bestow, the Exemplary Service Medal. He also was recognized by San Marcos Mayor Susan Narvaiz Aug. 5, with a proclamation honoring his 16 years of service to the academy.

Schmidt is survived by his wife, Gloria, of San Antonio; two daughters and their husbands, Kelly and Dennis Robles of Arlington, and Shannon and Mark Foust of Sugar Land; and four granddaughters.

Funeral arrangements at Sunset Memorial Park in San Antonio include a visitation Monday, Dec. 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. The funeral service will be Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 8:30 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Park, followed by a graveside service at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.


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