Suzanne Groth Foglesong Ed.D
Suzanne Groth Foglesong, Ed.D., is a seasoned writer, researcher, and educator whose career spans higher education, mediation, entrepreneurship, and corporate training. With academic appointments at Rollins College and the University of Hong Kong, she has taught writing, educational psychology, and comparative cultural studies, drawing on her deep commitment to critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative learning. Her scholarly foundation includes a Bachelor's degree in English,a Master’s degree in Teaching from Rollins College, and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Central Florida, supported by years of applied work in both academic and community settings. Beyond academia, Dr. Foglesong has built a multifaceted professional life that reflects her intellectual curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit. She has served as a Florida Supreme Court–Certified Family and Civil Mediator, operated multiple McDonald’s franchises, worked as a licensed Realtor, and led NewCompass Learning Strategies, where she designed leadership and personal development programs. Her ongoing freelance work in writing and research focuses on memoir development and the dynamics of ostracism—projects shaped by both her scholarly interests and personal experiences. A passionate advocate for empowerment and social justice, Dr. Foglesong has dedicated more than five years to volunteer service with Harbor House of Central Florida and has served on a gubernatorial oversight council for social services. She is currently developing a memoir-writing course inspired by the life of her son, Rick, whose memory continues to guide her work. She is also writing a book on parental alienation and professional misconduct. Known for her energy, curiosity, and lifelong love of learning, she approaches every endeavor—professional, creative, and personal—with a sense of purpose, resilience, and, above all, joy.
• Ed.D
• University of Central Florida -
Doctor of Education
• Master Teacher Designation,
• Master Teacher Designation - Harbor House of Central Florida
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a lifelong commitment to curiosity, perseverance, and continuous learning. Throughout my career and into retirement as an author, I’ve embraced new challenges as opportunities to grow. My ability to adapt, stay open to possibility, and remain dedicated to my craft has been central to every accomplishment. Finding ways to do what I most enjoy is central to remaining focused.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
To borrow from Joseph Campbell, "Follow Your Bliss."
Success follows inspiration, creativity, an open mind, and empowerment rooted in joy and curiosity.
Find your authentic self.
Take time to explore. Find what rings your bell, then explore some more.Place a the highest value on integrity, Immerse yourself in the humanities: art, science, literature, technology, literature, sports, and culture. Doing this takes time, but the end game is to emerge knowing who you are and the values that shape your identity.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Discover what you love, be willing to take risks, see problems as challenging opportunities, and never forget to seek positivity and embrace laughter.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I believe the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field right now revolve around authenticity and connection. As an author, I see readers longing for genuine stories that reflect real human experience, which invites writers to be more honest, courageous, and vulnerable in their work. At the same time, the rapid pace of publishing and the noise of digital platforms can make it difficult for meaningful voices to be heard. My experience as a Supreme Court–certified mediator has taught me the value of listening deeply and communicating with clarity, skills that are more essential than ever for writers navigating today’s landscape.
As a professor, I know that laughter enhances learning, and the element of surprise that arises from curiosity. The pursuit of knowledge moves us forward with confidence and the expectation of success through the enjoyment of surprising insights and outcomes.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, empathy, and the commitment to influence positive change. I am deeply motivated by the opportunity to shed light on experiences that are often overlooked, especially the lives of children who have been failed by the system. My current work on Losses and Lies, a book addressing parental alienation, reflects my dedication to telling these stories with honesty, compassion, and clarity. I believe in using my skills—whether as a writer, educator, or former Supreme Court–certified mediator—to advocate for those whose voices are too often unheard.
Influence, for me, comes not from authority but from helping others understand complex human experiences and fostering thoughtful, meaningful dialogue. At the heart of everything I do is a commitment to integrity, empathy, and the power of storytelling to inspire awareness, healing, and change. These values guide both my professional projects and my personal relationships, shaping how I approach challenges and opportunities in all areas of life.