Transformative Leadership
Under Schmidt’s leadership, the university transformed its reputation through strategic partnerships that have strengthened the future of the institution. The Mayo Clinic and UW-Eau Claire Master Collaborative Research Agreement brings faculty and undergraduate research students together with Mayo Clinic Health System physicians and researchers in an innovative relationship that has fostered more than 165 joint research projects focused on discovering new knowledge and improving healthcare outcomes for patients.
Schmidt also led the university as a founding partner in the Rural Health Innovation Alliance, which aims to align local organizations in a unique collaboration focused on solving issues and challenges specific to rural healthcare. The goal of the RHIA is to create a framework that can be used as a national model to address the challenges of rural healthcare across the country. Those collaborative partnerships, and others like them, formed the foundation for Schmidt’s vision for distinction and the bold path forward for UW-Eau Claire.
Schmidt is also responsible for bringing more than $725 million in public and private investments together to deliver major facilities transformations, including $270 million in funding for a new Science and Health Sciences Building, which positions UW-Eau Claire as a premier destination for healthcare education. His efforts also included helping secure $120 million for The Sonnentag, a new event and sports facility that is a state-of-the-art center for athletes and fans. The Sonnentag also provides Eau Claire with a great venue for arts and culture programming.
Schmidt’s vision and leadership can be seen across the community as he collaborated with local business leaders to help revitalize Eau Claire’s downtown. Known for his innate ability to forge strong relationships and engage partners, Schmidt helped secure more than $200 million in philanthropic and public/private sector investments to benefit both the university and the community. Schmidt’s leadership helped turn Pablo Center at the Confluence, a world-class performing arts facility, into a shining example of what is possible through public and private partnerships.
David Minor, Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, says Schmidt’s leadership and ability to cultivate strong relationships within the community will benefit the region well into the future.
“He has been a catalyst for transformative growth, seamlessly connecting public and private partners to bring bold visions to life,” Minor says. “His leadership has reshaped the physical landscape of Eau Claire and strengthened the city’s economic and cultural vibrancy for generations to come. Central to his success is his belief in fostering strong relationships with the Chamber, recognizing it as a critical partner in driving economic development, advocating for business interests, and ensuring the community's continued prosperity.”
In addition, Schmidt oversaw countless projects focused on improving the student experience and helping the Midwest’s most beautiful campus come to life. Those include:
- Opening of Centennial Hall, a new academic building
- Renovation of Karlgaard Towers and construction of The Suites, improving on-campus housing
- Construction of Aspenson Mogensen and Haymarket Landing, new off-campus student housing facilities
- Major renovation of Simpson Athletic Field
- Redevelopment of Garfield Avenue, a primary pedestrian path connecting upper and lower campus and offering access to the Chippewa River
- Construction of the Flesch Family Welcome Center
- Creation of the campus arboretum through the One Hundred Trees Project, celebrating UW-Eau Claire’s 100th anniversary
- Renovation of rehearsal and practice rooms in the Haas Fine Arts Center
Schmidt’s focus on transforming healthcare education opportunities in the Midwest brought a curated partnership to UW-Eau Claire with the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists, and his vision helped establish the Blugold Biomedical Innovator Scholar program and an executive training program for Mayo Clinic leaders.
Dr. Rick Helmers, who serves as regional vice president of Mayo Clinic Health System, Northwest Wisconsin, credits Schmidt’s vision with forging the partnership that began the transformation of healthcare education and research in the Chippewa Valley.
“The partnership between UW-Eau Claire and Mayo Clinic Health System in Northwest Wisconsin began with Chancellor Schmidt’s vision of how working together, we could transform healthcare education and research in the Chippewa Valley. This has led to many initiatives and projects that have greatly benefited our staff and the patients we serve,” Helmers says.
A Decade of Distinction
During his 12 years as chancellor, Schmidt conferred 25,580 degrees to undergraduate and graduate students.
His decade of leadership is distinguished by a passion for excellence, reflected in the advancements made in the university’s regional and national reputation during his tenure. Highlights include:
- Ranked fourth among 57 public regional universities in the 12-state Midwest region; 20th out of 165 public and private regional schools in the Midwest in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report.
- UW-Eau Claire was the only regional comprehensive institution among the exclusive list of 54 universities on the 2024 U.S. News’ Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects report; ranked 35th in the category, up 18 spots from the previous year.
- UW-Eau Claire is ranked No. 1 in Wisconsin and Minnesota, and 12th nationally, by Open Doors for master’s-level colleges and universities that award study abroad credit.
- Listed as a top producer of Fulbright U.S. master’s student awards seven times in the last 12 years.
- Recognized for the fifth consecutive year in the Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges as a school committed to environmental sustainability.
- Increased academic opportunities with the addition of 14 undergraduate and six graduate programs in high-demand areas such as healthcare, science and engineering, and professional studies.
- Expanded athletics opportunities with the addition of programs for men’s soccer and baseball, and women’s lacrosse.
- Established the Mark Stephen Cosby Honors College, the only named Honors College in the Universities of Wisconsin system.
- Served as host for the 2023 National Conference on Undergraduate Research.
“Throughout my four years here, Chancellor Schmidt has prioritized our students and put them at the forefront of his leadership and decision-making,” Student Body President Sam Consiglio says. “Chancellor has always been focused on creating a space for students to thrive academically. Whether it’s through making pancakes in the library during finals week, showing up to athletic events or engaging students in conversations about their personal experiences at UW-Eau Claire, Chancellor Schmidt wants to see students succeed and values their input. His dedication to UW-Eau Claire has created a place where our student body strives and achieves excellence.”
In addition to his academic stewardship, Schmidt served as chair of the NCAA Division III Presidents Council, vice chair of the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce and chair of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Association. He also served on various local and regional boards, including Mayo Clinic Health System Wisconsin, Wisconsin Technology Council, WNB Financial, WiSys Advisory Board, Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corp. and the NCAA Board of Governors, among others.
Prior to his arrival at UW-Eau Claire, Schmidt served as vice president for University Advancement at Winona State University, in Winona, Minnesota; vice president for Student Affairs, Riverland Community College, Austin-Albert Lea-Owatonna, Minnesota; dean of students, Austin Community College, Austin, Minnesota; and director of financial aid, Austin Technical College, Austin, Minnesota.
