Hall of Fame
Joe-Ann Brown was a standout two-sport athlete for Benedict College, excelling in softball and volleyball. She was a four-year letterman in both sports and earned All-State honors in softball.
As a sophomore, her leadership skills earned her the softball sportsmanship award for her outstanding participation, contributions, spirit, honesty, and integrity she brought to the game. Joe-Ann was the starting center fielder and hit fourth in the line-up, earning the name “Slugger.” As a senior she was awarded the Most Valuable Player in softball and was Benedict's first player to be named to the South Carolina Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (SCAlAW) All-State Softball Team.
After graduating from Benedict College with a degree in Physical Education, she went on to earn her Masters of Science in Elementary Education from Nova Southeastern University and has been a successful Elementary Education teacher for over 20 years in Orlando, Florida.
During her tenure as a teacher in 1999, she was chosen as Teacher of the Year at Hidden Oaks Elementary School. In 2004, she was awarded the caring and sharing award for her work with at-risk ninth-grade students. And in April 2011, she was the top teacher recruiter of the month for Orange County Public School Teacher's Union.
She has dedicated her life to serving others in her community and church. She is a charter member of the New Covenant Baptist church of Orlando. While attending New Covenant she has served as a youth leader, summer camp teacher, Sunday school teacher, choir member, Bible study, and various volunteer opportunities at her church. Joe-Ann is very passionate about giving back to her community. She has made a lifetime commitment to serving others. This diamond-life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., serves as the Second Vice President of her beloved sorority. You can find her working with voter registration, feeding the hungry, campaigning for the Red Cross blood drive, supporting UNCF, delivering care packages to the nursing home, and reading books at an underprivileged daycare center.
