Sue A. Schmidt, who served for 16 years as dean of the College of Education at Seattle University, died late last month at the age of 66. She had stepped down as dean this past July.
Dr. Schmidt, who used a wheelchair, was instrumental in improving access for people with disabilities. She also was a champion of efforts to increase student and faculty diversity at the university.
Before coming to Seattle University, Dr. Schmidt was dean and professor in the College for Human Resources at the University of North Dakota, where she had also served as associate vice president for academic affairs. Earlier, she was deputy vice chancellor and professor of rehabilitation at the University of Wisconsin Stoudt.
Dean Schmidt was a graduate of Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She held a master’s degree from the University of Missouri and a doctorate in counselor education from Mississippi State University.