CHICAGO – Joe Dennis was born Aug. 30, 1976, but little did anyone know, he would go and try to discover everyone’s story, all while wearing a fedora.
“One thing about my life, that I’m happy and I’m older now,” said Dr. Joe Dennis, associate professor of mass communications at Piedmont University, in an interview with 16 rowdy students. “I look back and I’ve done everything I have ever wanted to do.”
In Athens, GA, Joe Dennis lives with his wife and three kids: Jaydon, Jackson,and Matthew. Although he lives in Athens now, Joe was born in Chicago. He grew up on the Southside and went to school at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. At this small college in Illinois, his journey in journalism had started due to an odd pairing — a crush and pepperoni pizza. Who knew being a volleyball reporter at a small school would result in his long career in journalism.
Joe’s first journalism job was at the Walton Tribune in Monroe, GA. He worked many jobs in the field of media, including hosting a radio show, “The Big Rock Show.” For 10 years, Joe worked as a radio host, where he had “the most fun he has ever had at a job,” he said.
Nevertheless, Joe had to move on.
Joe currently is the associate professor of mass communications at Piedmont College. “I really enjoy getting to teach students,” Joe said.
Inspiration for Joe comes from many sources, but everyday people are his main source. “The most inspiration [comes] from the everyday people I encountered,” Joe said. Joe has met several historical figures, but he still strongly believes the fact that everyday people are the most inspirational people for writing. He is fascinated by the unique stories that he comes across throughout life.
“I have been married to the love of my life for almost 23 years, three kids, and I’m happy” Joe says. He hopes to continue to tell people’s stories and continue to “[recycle] every interaction I make” in conversations. “I’m really happy how things have turned out and I’ve gotten to do everything I have wanted to do in life, so I’m really blessed with that,” Joe said.
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