Diane Economakis

Diane Economakis is a Teaching Professor of English and Director of the First-Year Writing Unit at Indiana University South Bend (IUSB), within the School of Humanities and Social Sciences of the College of Arts and Sciences. She actively bridges academia and community through her roles as Executive Director of the South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestras (SBYSO) and her leadership in creating internships linking IUSB Honors students with local nonprofits. Her work emphasizes experiential learning, equity in education, and community service.

Community Engagement: Economakis oversees SBYSO’s mission to provide inclusive music education, including need-based scholarships and free lessons for disadvantaged students. She also coordinates internships connecting students with real-world nonprofit work, fostering skills in communication, organization, and civic responsibility. Her teaching philosophy prioritizes applying academic skills to address community challenges.

Professional Contributions: She has spearheaded initiatives like the SBYSO-IUSB Honors Program partnership, blending academic rigor with hands-on experience. Her advocacy for accessible arts education and her role in shaping first-year writing curricula reflect her commitment to student success and community impact.

Awards/Grants: No specific awards or grants are listed, though her community-driven projects highlight sustained dedication to service.

Labs/Teams: Active in SBYSO and the First-Year Writing Unit, fostering collaborative environments for students and community partners.