Elaine Schmidt, PhD (2028)

Dr. Elaine Melotti Schmidt received her doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Temple University and has worked in or consulted with schools on three continents. With a special passion for reaching children living in poverty or born with learning or physical differences, Schmidt’s areas of specialization include early childhood education, special needs, second language learners and at-risk student instruction. She has served as principal of three schools. Dr. Schmidt lives with her husband, Steven Alan Bennett, in San Antonio, where they attend St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. They are art collectors who specialize in figural paintings of women by women artists and the cofounders of The Bennett Prize for Women Figurative Artists. Additionally, Dr. Schmidt and her husband are supporters of various philanthropies/groups including Friends of Kenyan Orphans and the Olmos Ensemble.