Howard Schmidt—Patrick Henry College's New Executive Vice President

Patrick Henry College is pleased to announce that Howard Schmidt will be joining the college’s Executive Team in April 2017 as Executive Vice President, reporting directly to the President.  His responsibilities will include the formulation and implementation of growth strategies as well as the development of financial forecasting models.  In addition, Howard will leverage his considerable industry experience to help establish centers of innovation within the college’s various operating units. 

He will be working closely with Dr. Michael Kucks to further develop and expand the Economics and Business Analytics program by interfacing with business leaders to establish both internships and job opportunities for our graduates.  He will also join the faculty to teach higher-level courses in the Economics and Business Analytics program.

Howard holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from The Ohio State University and an MBA from Millsaps Liberal Arts College.  He has completed Executive Education programs with Harvard University, Northwestern University, Maryland University and University of Tennessee. 

Howard has 35 years of both domestic and international manufacturing experience.  For the past 21 years he has served in various Executive roles within Lennox International, Inc.   In his most recent position, as Vice President & General Manager of Advanced Distributor Products, he led the company to a #1 market share position within the HVAC industry. His experience in developing growth strategies and fostering a culture of innovation will be a major benefit to PHC as we look to the future.

Howard and his wife, Cathy, have been involved in PHC since its earliest days.  He has served as a Foundation Board member, a Board of Trustee member and was a key member of the long-range planning task force that developed the Economics and Business Analytics program.  In addition, he has consulted closely with PHC to develop both pricing and market share studies for the college.

Howard and Cathy have four children:  Lillie (PHC graduate, Literature), Timothy (West Point graduate), Ian (PHC student, EBA) and GraceAnna (high school junior). 

Please join us in welcoming Howard and Cathy!   We are blessed that God has led them to join our efforts full time.