WHEELING, W.Va.—Most Rev. Michael J. Bransfield announced today that Mr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt, Ed.S., M.A., has been named superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. Schmidt begins his duties on Aug. 1.
Currently the associate superintendent of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Mo., Schmidt has served in various administrative capacities in Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of St. Louis and the Belleville and Springfield dioceses for 14 years. He has served in roles such as director of academic affairs, school principal, and chief operating officer and has administrative experience at the high school, middle school and elementary school levels.
“I am so pleased that Vincent has accepted the position of superintendent of Catholic schools for our diocese,” Bransfield said. “His significant experience in academic leadership within school communities ranging from strategic planning to facilities management, student life to capital funding, and professional development to student recruiting will allow him to be an outstanding administrator for our 29 schools.”
Schmidt is scheduled to complete a doctoral program in educational leadership this fall and earned Educational Specialist certification in 2008 and a master’s of educational leadership in 2002, all at St. Louis University. He completed his bachelor’s studies in secondary education and business administration at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville in 1991. Schmidt has been a leader in curriculum development, educational technologies, continuing education for teachers, marketing, fiscal management and resource development.
“Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to the mission of Catholic education,” Schmidt said. “I will work hard to represent the bishop and diocese well, understanding the role of the school in the lives of its students, respecting the traditions that have developed, and serving as an ally for ideas that help children achieve the most from their capabilities.”
Well known for his community service, Schmidt is the executive director for the Jensen-Schmidt Tennis Academy for Down Syndrome. This nonprofit organization has grown to provide tennis instruction in cities across the country, and its operational model has been adopted and implemented on a national scale. Schmidt is a professional tennis coach and has worked with many players on professional tours while also serving as a varsity coach at the high school level.
Schmidt and his wife of 18 years, Dana Marie, have three children, August, Jonas and Maxim.
(NOTE: Mr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt is not related to Bishop Emeritus Bernard W. Schmitt. Please note difference in the spelling of the last name.)