The Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation (KAOEF) is proud to announce a three million dollar planned estate gift from Knight Commander Jim Schmuck and his wife Judy Schmuck, designated to establish a permanent endowment for the Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA). One of the Order’s primary leadership education programs, ELA is designed to help younger members better understand chapter operations and identify specific future leadership roles that exist within their chapter and campus. As part of the KAOEF’s 1865 Trust, this transformational gift is the largest gift to the KAOEF in its history.
About the Knight Commander and First Lady
Dr. James M. Schmuck was initiated by the Alpha Eta Chapter at Westminster College in 1969 and he graduated from Westminster with degrees in English and Physical Education. He earned his master’s degree in English and a doctorate in higher education administration from St. Louis University with a dissertation on Correlates of Student Persistence. He read Medieval Studies at King Alfred’s College in Winchester, England, and English History and Literature at Selwyn College, Cambridge University in Cambridge, England.
Dr. Schmuck spent more than 33 years as an English and communications teacher at the high school and college levels.
He is an award-winning coach in both cross country and track and field and has been named to three Halls of Fame and earned 23 regional “Coach of the Year” awards, culminating in his induction as the 2005 National Cross Country Coach of the Year by the National Federation of High Schools.
In addition to teaching and coaching, Dr. Schmuck has served on a number of boards. He is currently a trustee of the George C. Marshall Foundation in Lexington, Virginia. He spent 19 years on the Westminster College Board of Trustees. He sits on the board of William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri and is the former Chairman and Senior Fellow of America’s National Churchill Museum and Library board.
Dr. Schmuck served as Commander of Henry C. Chiles Province from 2007 to 2015, before being elected to the Executive Council at the 76th Convention and Sesquicentennial Celebration. In 2023, at the 80th Convention, he was elected Senior Councilor, and at the 81st Convention in 2025, was elected Knight Commander. Dr. Schmuck is a 2017 recipient of the Knight Commander’s Accolade.
His wife, Judy Schmuck, of Wildwood, Missouri, is a 1972 graduate of William Woods University whose lifelong commitment to leadership and service has benefited both her alma mater and Kappa Alpha Order. She is also a founder of the Rose Circle, helping establish one of the KAOEF’s most meaningful organizations, recognizing and engaging the wives, widows, and friends who faithfully support the Order as members of the Crimson and Gold Society.
At William Woods University, Judy served as president of the Alumni Board before being appointed to the University’s Board of Trustees in 2009. Her leadership has also included service on the President’s Council, and she was a founding member of the President’s Club Giving Society.
A devoted member of Alpha Chi Omega, Judy has held numerous leadership positions at both the local and national levels, including numerous years as advisor to the chapter at William Woods University. She earned a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and completed additional graduate study at Saint Louis University.
About ELA
The Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA) is among KA’s premier leadership conferences, offering KA members an opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills needed to lead their chapters. Designed to provide a unique learning experience, ELA takes leadership education beyond the traditional classroom through interactive, hands-on programming.
Through small-group experiences, certified educational sessions, and engaging large-group presentations, participants receive exceptional leadership training in an environment that encourages personal growth and meaningful connection. ELA equips attendees with the confidence and tools to become more active, effective leaders within the Order.
