While a student at Walla Walla College, Doug Schmidt wanted to be a task force worker—but he also wanted to be a teacher. Unlike other schools, Rio Lindo Academy provided him with an opportunity to do both. Twenty-one years later, Schmidt is now Rio’s newly appointed principal.
Schmidt’s service to Rio has duly prepared him for his new role as principal. He completed the task force assignment in 1985 and graduated the same year from Walla Walla College. He returned to Rio to serve as assistant dean for two years and head dean the following two years. After deaning, he remained at Rio and taught numerous subjects over the next 10 years, including math, Bible, physical education and industrial arts. During 2004-2005, Schmidt served as Rio’s vice-principal.
He has remained at Rio for two reasons. “The strength of Rio is our staff,” said Schmidt. “Also, it’s powerful when you’re at a boarding school where you are able to be with the kids outside of class time. I have chosen to spend most of my career at a boarding school environment.”
Accepting the position of principal at Rio has been an act of faith for Schmidt. “When I heard that Albert Miller was leaving, I was really disappointed,” said Schmidt. “So when my name was brought up, I decided to see what the Lord would do with it. If He wanted me in that position, He would work it out.”
Miller, former principal of Rio, is confident that Schmidt will succeed in his endeavors. “I have total confidence that Doug can carry on the great tradition of Rio,” said Miller. “He’s the man for the job.”
As Schmidt transitions into his new role at Rio, he plans to continue the efforts of Miller by allowing the faculty “to do what they do best,” said Schmidt. Further, Schmidt has a vision for Rio to become a place where “students not only can find Christ, but where they can become trained church leaders,” he said.
Schmidt feels that Rio is where he needs to be. “I can’t think of a place that I’d rather be—it’s like a dream job to me,” he said. “I have a love for Rio, and it’s kind of an adventure to see where Christ is leading Rio.”
