Kelly Schmidt's job is to help international students navigate the requirements to study in the United States so they can apply and enroll at Northwestern College.

Application support
Schmidt serves international students as they complete steps to apply at NWC. She assembles their financial aid packages and assists them with the enrollment and F-1 student visa application process until they arrive on campus, when they connect with Kelsey Joseph in the college's Bridge Center.

Faculty spouse
Schmidt's husband, Drew Schmidt, is a professor in Northwestern's theatre department. Kelly says it's an adventure being married to a creative person and jokes that he's always been convinced he can craft anything with enough cardboard and duct tape. At the same time, she appreciates that he provides her with a faculty perspective of Northwestern.

International experience
The Schmidts have worked remotely for a resort located in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, since 2015. Kelly manages the resort's social media presence and responds to customer inquiries, so she has experience with both international travel and working with persons from a different culture. The Schmidts also became an unofficial host for a student from Vietnam several years ago, which gave her the experience of supporting an international student in navigating life as an F-1 student at Northwestern.

Foster parents
Prior to beginning her position at Northwestern, Schmidt—along with her husband, Drew—provided foster care to children, and Kelly also provided day care for another foster family. The Schmidts have provided long-term placement for five foster children, two of whom they adopted. Kelly believes all children deserve connection and to be seen and loved.