• Executive Education. The Art and Practice of Leadership Development.  Harvard University, Cambridge, MA.
• Ed.D. Administrative and Adult Studies.  Concentration: Training and Development Evaluation. Syracuse University. Syracuse, NY
• M.S. Creativity and Innovation. SUNY College at Buffalo. Buffalo, NY
• Gifted Education Certification.  University of Washington. Seattle, WA.
• Teaching Certification (K-8). San Diego State University.  San Diego, CA.
• B.A. Liberal Studies. San Diego State University. San Diego, CA.

Dr. Foucar-Szocki is a Professor in the Learning, Technology and Leadership Education Department of the College of Education where she currently teaches graduate and undergraduate learning theories courses, after having served for 15 years as a department head, coordinator of grants and contracts and assistant to the Dean of the College of Education.  Her scholarship interests include enhancing creative thinking, adult development, facilitation and out-of-school time learning.  Dr. Foucar-Szocki began her career as a classroom teacher, earned her Master’s degree and began consulting with a wide range of organizations including schools, banks, corporations, associations and governments on the use of creative problem solving as a tool for change management.  She earned her doctorate at Syracuse University and joined the faculty of James Madison University in 1996. Currently, Diane advocates for access and inclusion to high quality in and out-of-school education as President of the Virginia Partnership for Out of School Time (VPOST) https://www.v-post.org/

Chair of the Harrisonburg Education Foundation (HEF) https://www.harrisonburgeducationfoundation.com/ and as a founding board member of On the Road Collaborative https://www.ontheroadcollaborative.com/.  She is a certified Immunity to Change coach with Minds at Work and a member of the Adaptive Leadership Network.  Dr. Foucar-Szocki has been recognized with the Creative Education Foundation’s Distinguished Leader Award, JMU’s Presidential Diversity Award and the College of Education’s Distinguished Teaching and Service Awards.   With her husband, children, grandchildren, extended family and dear friends she enjoys good food, wine, conversation and travel, always with a good book or two.