Lindsey Schmidt Identified as SIUE Employee Killed in Traffic Collision in Edwardsville, Illinois
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is mourning the loss of Lindsey Schmidt, a longtime and deeply respected member of its athletics staff, who died last week following a traffic collision. Schmidt passed away on Tuesday, December 23, according to SIUE Athletics.
Schmidt served as an Academic Advisor at SIUE since 2008 and was a central figure in the university’s student-athlete success efforts for nearly two decades. Her death has deeply affected the campus community, particularly within SIUE Athletics, where colleagues and students described her as an irreplaceable presence.
“This is heartbreaking for all who knew Lindsey,” said Andrew Gavin, SIUE Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics. “She has long been a beloved member of our athletics family because of her infectious energy, positive attitude, and incredibly helpful and loving heart. She provided unwavering support and care to countless current and former Cougar student-athletes.”
As a key member of the student-athlete success team, Schmidt worked closely with Deputy Athletic Director Jaci DeClue for nearly 17 years. During that time, she played a vital role in building and sustaining one of the most successful academic support programs in the nation. Under her guidance and commitment, SIUE student-athletes achieved 39 consecutive semesters with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. In November, the university was recognized for having the top Graduation Success Rate among all Division I public institutions nationwide.
“Lindsey was a source of light and warmth to everyone she encountered,” DeClue said. “She had a remarkable ability to make people feel seen, valued, and supported through her kindness, humility, and genuine care for others. During her 17 years at SIUE, she helped build an academic support program that served thousands of student-athletes, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, excellence, and meaningful impact.”
DeClue added that working alongside Schmidt for nearly two decades was a privilege and noted that SIUE Athletics “will not be the same without her.”
In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to student-athlete academic achievement, Schmidt received the Thurston Banks Award from the Ohio Valley Conference in 2024. The award honors individuals who demonstrate outstanding dedication to academic success, learning, and personal development among student-athletes.
Before joining SIUE, Schmidt was a standout student-athlete at the University of Tennessee at Martin, another Ohio Valley Conference institution. As a volleyball player, she helped lead the Skyhawks to two regular-season conference championships and was named Most Valuable Player of the 2002 OVC Tournament.
Schmidt is survived by her husband, Justin, and their two children. SIUE Athletics has shared information for those wishing to support her family during this difficult time.
Details regarding memorial services and additional plans by SIUE to honor Lindsey Schmidt’s life, legacy, and lasting impact will be announced at a later date.
