Jerome Socolof holds a bachelor of music degree in music business from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam; a master of arts in arts policy and administration, and a doctor of philosophy in art education with a concentration in cultural policy and administration, both from The Ohio State University. His research work has focused the use of outreach programs and public value by non-profit organizations, as well as interactions between non-profit and for-profit entities. In addition to academic work, he has served as both a state and federal-level arts advocate, lobbying for continued public funding.