Vicki
Schmidt
Director of Student Success
Office
Wallerstedt Library
Office 115
Phone
(785) 227-3380
schmidtvl@bethanylb.edu
Biography
Dr. Vicki Schmidt is an educator, literacy leader, and student-success professional dedicated to helping students persist, graduate, and develop confidence as learners. With more than 20 years of experience in higher education and K–12 classrooms, she brings a teaching mindset to student support, designing systems that combine academic coaching, relationship-building, and proactive intervention.
Dr. Schmidt earned her Ph.D. in Leadership with an English Language Arts concentration from the University of the Cumberlands and holds degrees in school leadership, elementary education, and computer information systems. Her background in literacy instruction and Universal Design for Learning informs her approach to student success: barriers to persistence are often instructional, structural, or confidence-based, and can be addressed through clear expectations, skill development, and consistent support.
Throughout her career, she has taught undergraduate and graduate students, chaired academic departments, and led accreditation and assessment initiatives. These roles shaped her understanding of the student experience from multiple perspectives, from classroom engagement to institutional policy. She has collaborated with faculty, advisors, and state organizations to strengthen learning environments and develop structures that help students navigate college expectations more effectively.
Dr. Schmidt is especially committed to student success and believes education is not just about earning a degree, but about building confidence, agency, and opportunity. Whether mentoring future teachers or supporting first-year college students, she strives to create spaces where learners discover both competence and belonging.
Dr. Schmidt earned her Ph.D. in Leadership with an English Language Arts concentration from the University of the Cumberlands and holds degrees in school leadership, elementary education, and computer information systems. Her background in literacy instruction and Universal Design for Learning informs her approach to student success: barriers to persistence are often instructional, structural, or confidence-based, and can be addressed through clear expectations, skill development, and consistent support.
Throughout her career, she has taught undergraduate and graduate students, chaired academic departments, and led accreditation and assessment initiatives. These roles shaped her understanding of the student experience from multiple perspectives, from classroom engagement to institutional policy. She has collaborated with faculty, advisors, and state organizations to strengthen learning environments and develop structures that help students navigate college expectations more effectively.
Dr. Schmidt is especially committed to student success and believes education is not just about earning a degree, but about building confidence, agency, and opportunity. Whether mentoring future teachers or supporting first-year college students, she strives to create spaces where learners discover both competence and belonging.
Begin the journey down your path.
