Prior to becoming a member of the full-time faculty, Joe served five years as the university’s Senior Vice President for advancement.

He received a B.A. and LL.D from Freed-Hardeman University and an MBA from Texas A&M University.

He has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of several companies, one of which was among the Fortune 500.

In addition, he has provided strategic consulting and board level direction to both private businesses and nonprofit organizations. Ivey is a member of the Board of Directors of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center. He has served as Chairman of Second Harvest Food Bank in Nashville; National Chairman of the Associated Builders and Contractors, a trade association of nearly 22,000 members; and Chairman of the National Center for Construction Education and Research, an educational consortium affiliated with the University of Florida.

Since 2006, Joe has taught undergraduate and graduate courses focused on using business strategy and execution to create value for both the firm and its customers. He is a Baker Teaching Fellow and a recipient of the University's Outstanding Teacher Award.