EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. — Lindsey Schmidt, a beloved academic advisor at SIUE and former standout volleyball player at UT Martin, passed away on December 23. She leaves behind her husband, Justin, and their two children.
Lindsey joined SIUE in 2008 and became more than an advisor. She later became a mentor, a cheerleader, and a guiding presence for student-athletes.
“She had a way of making every student feel important,” said Deputy AD Jaci DeClue. “She saw potential in everyone and gave them the confidence to achieve it. Lindsey’s heart was enormous.”
Andrew Gavin, SIUE’s Director of Athletics, said, “It’s hard to put into words. Lindsey brought warmth and joy to every room she entered. She believed in her students and colleagues completely.”
Lindsey’s impact was felt long before SIUE. At UT Martin, she helped the volleyball team win two regular-season championships and was MVP of the 2002 Ohio Valley Conference tournament. She knew how to inspire a team, both on and off the court.
Ohop Valley Conference offered its Condolences to the family and friends, “She was a standout volleyball student-athlete at UT Martin and since 2008 had served as an academic advisor at SIUE. She was named the recipient of the 2024 OVC Thurston Banks Award for Distinguished Academic Service.”
Her colleagues remember her positivity. Brian Barone said, “She never had a bad day. She lifted everyone around her, no matter what. Losing her is devastating.”
Jim Varagona, a childhood friend, recalled, “I went to school with Lindsey. Very sad and shocking. My thoughts go out to her family. She was always someone who made people feel better.” Another individual added,
“Lindsey was one of the reasons that I was able to continue college after a rough freshman year. Her light, support, and words constantly reminded me that the low moments and the hard times didn’t define me but shaped me into who I was to become. Even after my time at SIUE, Lindsey still checked in to see how things were going and cheer me on from afar. Rest well Lindsey!!! Your light will be missed. Thank you for everything!”
Ashley Simpson, a colleague, said, “From the first day I met her, Lindsey made me feel capable. Working with her was a privilege. Carrying on her legacy of positivity is a responsibility I cherish.”
Hundreds of Tributes Pour
Justin Schmidt, her husband, described her final days. “Even in her last hours, she shared love with our children, family, and friends. She fought like a superhero. For now, our kids and I are leaning on each other. I love you, Linds, yesterday, now, and forever.”
“We are a financially secure family, but I know folks have asked me or the support team or me about it, and I want people to feel like they can help in the way that feels best for them.”
A Meal Train has been set up to help the family with meals, childcare, and daily needs. Donations are also welcome for grief counseling and other support.
During her 17 years at SIUE, Lindsey helped students maintain a GPA above 3.0 for 39 consecutive semesters.
She played a key role in SIUE being recognized for the top national Graduation Success Rate among Division I public institutions.
Her dedication did not go unnoticed. The Ohio Valley Conference honored her with the 2024 Thurston Banks Award, recognizing her commitment to student-athletes’ academic success.
The community remembers Lindsey as someone who listened, encouraged, and celebrated everyone’s accomplishments.
She had a gift for making people feel valued. She never judged. She never gave up on anyone.
Messages of condolence and memories poured in online. Samantha Smith said, “This family needs us. Meals, help with the kids, just being there, it matters.”
Katie Strangler wrote, “That is absolutely awful to hear. So shocking.”
Buddy Paulett added, “There’s never justice in death, but this one feels particularly unfair. As a friend, Lindsey was curious, honest, sympathetic, and kind. As an educator she was also all of those things and was one of the voices on campus I trusted most when it came to what was going on with our students.”
Others praised Lindsey’s warmth, her guidance, and her ability to make everyone feel seen.
Lindsey Schmidt leaves a lasting legacy of mentorship, love, and encouragement. Her students, colleagues, and the SIUE community will remember her for the care she gave and the lives she touched.
Memorial plans will be shared in the coming days. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and celebrate the life of a woman who made everyone around her feel stronger, smarter, and loved.
