John J. Schmidt

John J. (Jack) Schmidt, Ed.D. is emeritus professor of counselor education at East Carolina University in NC. Named Distinguished Professor by the College of Education in 1999, he was department chair for most of his tenure. An active writer, Dr. Schmidt authored many professional articles and textbooks, including The Elementary/Middle School Counselor’s Survival Guide (3rd ed.), Counseling in Schools (6th ed.), Social and Cultural Foundations of Counseling and Human Services, Intentional Helping, and Invitational Counseling with William W. Purkey. His most recent work includes four children's books: There’s a Kid under My Bed! Tales of Reggie the Monster and My Friend has Wheels! Tales of Reggie the Monster, illustrated by Evelyn M. Bergquist. The third and fourth books in the collection are City Life! Tales of Reggie the Monster, released in March 2024, and Monsters are Different: Tales of Reggie the Monster released in November, 2024. A fifth and final tale is in development.

Recipient of many honors and awards, Dr. Schmidt was active in the counseling profession, holding state positions and serving on editorial boards of professional journals. He served on the NC Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and as a director on the National Board of Certified Counselors. Now retired, Jack, a native of Long Island, NY, lives in Maryland with his wife Patricia.