Susan Tomlinson Schmidt has built a career on helping people through her work for nonprofit organizations.
Recently, Schmidt was appointed executive director of the American Humanics program at The University of Memphis.
She said she hopes to help students further their skills in nonprofit employment.
“Students who enter the program are the type of people who are looking for a reward greater than financial compensation,” Schmidt said. “There is an emotional payoff.”
The American Humanics program was developed to prepare entry-level employees to work with America’s youth and families.
Students are certified through the Division of Public and Nonprofit Administration at The U of M.
American Humanics was developed at The U of M in 1999. The program operates at several universities throughout the nation.
Most students in the program major in another field and minor in nonprofit studies, Schmidt said.
“The program complements a lot of majors,” she said. “It also gives students an edge on their resumes.”
Schmidt has a bachelor’s degree in international relations and a master’s in public administration.
After graduating from The U of M in 1993, she worked in New York before moving to Memphis to work for the Memphis Area Homebuilder’s Association.
Schmidt said the enjoyment of working with students drew her into teaching at The U of M.
She teaches “Introduction to Nonprofit Organizations” in addition to being director of the American Humanics program.
Schmidt said there is a gap between full-profit business and government. But, she said, she feels a burden to help fill it.
“A lot of people are underserved in our community,” she said. “I want to contribute by helping people.”
Students are eligible for certification after completing the program’s required coursework and developmental workshops. In addition, hands-on experience through internships and volunteer opportunities is emphasized.
There are about 15 students in the program. It is in its start-up years, but they are working on getting more students involved, Schmidt said.
She said the program is needed because of the weakness in leadership in the nonprofit sector.
The program is designed to enrich the leadership skills of students with a real desire to help, she said.
“I am excited about getting students involved to pursue their interests,” she said.
