Janean J Schmidt Recognized as Outstanding Colleague
The SEAS Dean's Office is proud to recognize Janean J. Schmidt, MA as the SEAS Outstanding Colleague for December.
Janean serves as the Web and Marketing Specialist in the School of Engineering & Applied Science (SEAS), and her impact is felt across our community.
Janean’s commitment to excellence is evident in the thoughtful, relational way she approaches her work. She actively cultivates strong partnerships with the MarCom team and colleagues across campus, completes required trainings with diligence and accuracy, and consistently asks insightful questions, always following up with clear written communication. Her keen attention to detail and deep knowledge of University standards for print and digital communications have become essential resources for our School.
Equally noteworthy is Janean’s dedication to enhancing the student experience. She brings a holistic understanding of how marketing, web content, and social media support students academically and in their co-curricular engagement, including our many SEAS clubs and organizations. Her peers note her outstanding team spirit, emotional intelligence, and the joy she brings to the workplace, often sharing travel stories or musical theatre recommendations that brighten the day.
Over the past year, Janean has led or supported several major initiatives, including preparations for the ASEE TV video shoot, the SEAS Year in Review, and the new SEAS All Majors brochure. She is currently playing a key role in rebranding our Senior Design brochure and developing marketing materials for the new Center for Materials Research (CMR). Her creativity, professionalism, and willingness to brainstorm innovative approaches, including strengthening the visibility of our graduate programs, are deeply appreciated by her colleagues. Janean has a remarkable talent for creating polished, compelling materials that elevate all SEAS programs.
Janean (née Jorgensen) earned her journalism BA at Gonzaga and her Master's of Communication & Leadership exactly 30 years later—proof that it's always a good time to pursue a graduate degree.