Joy Wheeler: computer specialist

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — As long as Joy Wheeler had known about Tennessee Bible College, she had always wanted to contribute to its cause in some way.

That opportunity came in September 2006, when she was offered the position of computer specialist. It was her dream job... and just two miles from home.

TBC president Malcolm Hill says he remembers Joy saying she wanted to shout to the world, "I love my job!"

Joy, a native of Gallatin, Tenn., had given up her job at Cookeville High School to come to TBC. The 1983 Freed-Hardeman University graduate had taught computer and business courses for 10 years. 

"I am really thrilled to be a part of the staff at TBC," she said. "Using my computer skills to help the cause of Tennessee Bible College has been a dream of mine for quite some time. I feel like I can make a difference, and that's a great way to feel about your work."

Joy Wheeler
Computer Specialist

Joy and her family — husband Mike and daughter Alissa — moved to Cookeville in 1985. Baby Susan arrived two years later.

"When we first moved to Cookeville we visited different congregations, and when we visited Northeast Church of Christ (next door to TBC), we stopped visiting other places because we knew it was the right place for us," she said. "And if you attend Northeast, you hear about Tennessee Bible College."

What made Joy want to join the TBC staff?

"I would just hear about things being done at the college, and I would think, 'I'd like to be in on that,' " she said.

At TBC, Joy oversees all facets of computer operations, including technical support and assistance and database management. She also maintains the TBC web site, assists with various publications produced at the school and "countless other things I can help do," she said.

What's the best part?

"The atmosphere," Joy said. "Other Christians in the work place... you can't put a price on that."

What has impressed Joy the most?

"The endless list of what you can think of to help with the cause," she said. "There's so much to be done. There are hundreds of ways to get information out."

She is especially proud that her efforts are succeeding in recruiting new students. Shortly after she went to work for TBC, a young man from Chicago, Ill., happened upon the web site and then relocated to Cookeville to assume studies at the Bible college.

"His contact with the school was because of the web site," Wheeler said. "That's why he came here. So that validates everything we've done."

And it's work she plans to continue as long as she can.

"I love people," Joy said. "I'm a people person, and so this is exciting because of what we can do for people."