Photograph of Joe Brown from 1981 TXWECO Yearbook

Joe Brown's career at Texas Wesleyan began in 1978 teaching speech and technical theatre courses. He continued to work within the theatre department becoming chair in 1986, but expanded his roles outside of theatre as the Dean of the School of Fine Arts, Dean of Freshman Success, and instructor for Academic Success Experience courses. He served in both dean positions for multiple years before returning to the classroom in 2019 to teach theatre and speech courses.

Photograph from the 1985 TXWECO Yearbook

(From L-R) Dean Loralee Pohl, student/maintenance man Terry Moon, and Joe Brown, associate professor of Theatre Arts/Speech, dine together at an all-campus barbecue.

Joe Brown would become chair of the theatre department the following year after Mason Johnson's retirement. He would serve in this role until he became the Dean of Freshman Success in 2005.

Photograph of 2 Unknown Persons, Dr. Norval Kneten, and Joe Brown

Joe Brown and Dr. Norval Kneten stand outside Martin Hall talking with 2 other people at a campus event. Dr. Kneten was a Professor of Chemistry at Texas Wesleyan.

"Scapino" Rehearsals, 1981

(From L-R) Greg Franklin, Julie Acker, unnamed, and Joe Brown during rehearsals for TWC's spring production of "Scapino," a comedy set in a cafe on a dock in Naples. The story revolves around the mixed-up romances of two sons and Scapino's efforts to trick the fathers into accepting their sons' marriages. 

Joe Brown produced and directed TWC's production of the tale. 

Joe Brown Before the Inauguration of Jake B. Schrum (April 24, 1992)

Joe Brown poses for a photograph, holding up three fingers. This photograph was taken before the inauguration of Texas Wesleyan's 17th President, Jake B. Schrum.

Wesleyan Magazine, Winter 1997

As department chair of the theatre department, Joe Brown continued to grow the Texas Wesleyan Theatre, building on the work of those who came before and during his earliest time at the university (Donald Bellah, Mason Johnson, and Cecil Cole). He sought national recognition for the theatre department by involving Texas Wesleyan in the American College Theater Festival (ACTF). Texas Wesleyan Theatre and its players have been recognized with numerous awards over the years under Pro Joe's leadership. Still, Pro Joe is never one to shy away from acknowledging those he collaborates with to achieve goals.

From the Winter 1997 issue of Wesleyan Magazine, "According to Brown, the dedication of time and talent from people like local directors Kenn Stilson and Jerry Russell is what put the quality of the department and its productions over the top. And then of course, there is Connie Whitt-Lambert."

Joe Brown also shares his knowledge of theatre with the Texas Wesleyan community at large. In the late 1990s, he donated a large collection of theatre books to the Eunice and James L. West library. The Joe Brown Theatre Collection continues to grow and remains a staple collection within the library. 

Earl Brown Distinguished Faculty Award Plaque

The Earl Brown Distinguished Faculty Award is given to Texas Wesleyan faculty who display quality in the areas of teaching, research, community involvement, college service, and personal integrity. Faculty are nominated and selected by their faculty colleagues for the award. 

The Earl Brown Distinguished Faculty Award was established in 1986 by an anonymous donor to recognize the distinguished contributions of Dr. Earl Brown, after whom the award was named, and was its first recipient. Those who have received the award since have followed in that legacy, including Joe Brown, who received the award in 2000.

In addition to the Earl Brown Distinguished Faculty Award, Pro Joe has received additional Texas Wesleyan accolades, including two Board of Trustees Awards, two Wesleyan Flame Awards for Service, and the  Wesleyan Medal Award for being recognized as an Honorary Alumni of the University. 

Cover of Wesleyan Magazine, Summer 2000

Pro Joe on the cover of the Summer 2000 issue of Wesleyan Magazine. Wesleyan Magazine is published by the TXWES Alumni Association and provides alumni with updates on what is currently happening on campus, as well as announcements from alumni. 

Photoshoot for Wesleyan Magazine, Summer 2000 Article

Joe Brown poses as the famous, fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes, for an article featured in the Summer 2000 issue of Wesleyan Magazine. The article discusses the search for a new president following President Jake Schrum's resignation in January 2000.

Throughout his tenure at the University, Joe Brown has been able to witness the inaugurations of every Texas Wesleyan president featured in Pomp and Circumstance: TXWES Presidential Inaugurations.

"Helping Haiti" Article from The Rambler (February 17, 2010)

Joe Brown's service-centered heart goes beyond the TXWES community. After the devastating earthquake in Haiti in January of 2010, Pro Joe proposed Hike for Haiti to support the American Red Cross' aid for those affected by the earthquake.

Part of the proposal was for Brown's students in his ASE courses to take over and organize the project as part of an assignment, allowing them to learn aspects of event planning while serving a community in need. 

Joakim Soederbaum and Joe Brown, Inaugural Ball of President Frederick G. Slabach (January 12, 2012)

“It’s about making sure students know they have someone in their corner, both in the classroom and in life."

-Joe Brown, The Rambler, October 25, 2024

Pro Joe's dedication and care for his students doesn't end when they walk across the stage or out of his classroom. Joakim Soederbaum, a Texas Wesleyan alum from Sweden, was a student in Brown's freshman ASE course. Brown and his partner took Soederbaum under their wings, emotionally and financially supporting him, and remaining close after Soederbaum graduated from Texas Wesleyan University for his undergraduate degree and attended Texas Wesleyan Law School before the law school was purchased by Texas A&M University.

Brown has continued to support students financially, establishing the "Pro Joe" Student Emergency Fund during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the fund is to provide limited emergency financial support to currently enrolled students who are unable to meet essential expenses due to a temporary or unexpected hardship. 

Joe Brown Painting (Date Unknown)

"To many, he is "Papa Joe." To many, he is "Pro Joe." There's something about the letter "P" that we find so appropriate to associate with Joe Brown. The International Phonetic Alphabet describes the sound that the letter "P" makes as a plosive; a sudden little burst of air we release when we pronounce words that contain the letter. A burst. A pop. An explosion. Additional plosive and "P" words we find appropriate to associate with Joe Brown:

Pups.

Says it all? Doesn't it? He calls his home the East Side Zoo for a reason, and he has plenty of dogs and animals at home to prove it.

Professor.

Today, we celebrate the 45+ years since Joe has started teaching at Texas Wesleyan, where during his time he has served as Dean for the School of Fine Arts, the Dean of Freshman Success, and the Chair of the Theatre Department.

Pride.

No one has more school spirit than Joe. The man is always emblazoned in blues and golds, from the top of his head to the soles of his feet, and even with the occasional and iconic holiday party sweater or extravagant costume. As if he needed any more reason to be the center of attention.

Philanthropic. (Silent P sound, but it still works.)

Joe has always been in service to his campus community and the Dallas-Fort Worth theatre community, whether financially or in engagement with others. He has received numerous awards and acknowledgments for his work on our campus: the Earl Brown Faculty Award, Trustees Awards, Wesleyan Flame and Alumni Association Awards, Medal Awards, and most recently, awards for Lifetime Achievement and Educator of the Year from the Live Theatre League of Tarrant County, for which he has also previously served as President.

And now, to "Pro".

After 45 years, his devotion to our campus and the camaraderie with our faculty and staff have always been driven by ensuring the success in our students. Not just those in the theatre department. Like myself.

"Papa".

There's a certain generation of theatre students who referred to him as such. While I was not one of them, there is a personal anecdote I would like to share that is a shining example of his care for the student experience. It was my first orientation day, nearly 15 years ago, and my parents were in tow. We sat at a table here in Lou's Place and this very bright and exuberant personality walked toward us. 

He probably said something along the lines of "you're one of our new theatre kiddos." Followed by his hearty laugh, and a sip of his coffee from a Mondrian art cup. And he proceeded to talk to us about the Wesleyan experience that was about to unfold. The care and knowledge with which he spoke about TXWES really solidified the "Pro" nickname. But he then told my father six simple words that have stuck with us ever since: "We'll take good care of him." That's the "Papa Joe."

And if you have a Mexican-American dad like mine, you know sometimes they can be hard to impress. But Joe did it. Because after even this last year and a half of being back in the theatre office, my dad reminded me: "That man kept good on his word. He took care of you."

And he has continued to for the dozens of students who came before and after me for nearly 50 years, and will continue to... so long as he's got an office with some of his hand-picked furniture, a decent parking spot, but most importantly: a window with a view... overlooking the campus he calls home."

- Jacob Rivera-Sanchez

Santa and Elf at Light Up TXWES 2025

Light Up TXWES is an annual event beginning in 2023 that brings students, staff, alumni, and family together to celebrate the December holidays. Santa (Joe Brown) poses for Light Up TXWES 2025 with a helpful elf (Tristan Andrews, student).

Photo by Teagan Sanders, courtesy of The Rambler.

Arts Fort Worth's Heart of Gold Awards (February 27, 2026)

In February of 2026, Joe Brown received the "Lifetime Achievement Award" during Arts Fort Worth's Heart of Gold Awards. The ceremony was held at Texas Wesleyan University. Brown has worked with several local theatres, including Circle Theatre, Jubilee Theatre, Amphibian Theatre, Stage West Theatre, and Artisan Center Theatre. At the time of this award, he was the Vice President of the Board of Jubilee Theatre and had previously served on the boards of Stage West, Shakespeare in the Park, and Arts 5th Avenue. 

In addition to the Hearts of Gold "Lifetime Achievement Award", he has also received the Elston Brooks Lifetime Achievement Award, the Theatre Advocacy Award, and the Outstanding Theatre Arts Educator Award from the Live Theatre League of Tarrant County, and the 75 Faces of Goodwill Ceremony award. As of 2026, he is the only person to have received three honors from the Live Theatre League of Tarrant County. 

Photograph by David Moreno | Fort Worth Report

Playbill Cover of Texas Wesleyan Theatre's Production of "Little Shop of Horrors" (April 23-26, 2026)

Playbill cover for the Texas Wesleyan Theatre's 71st Annual Musical Little Shop of Horrors. This was Joe Brown's final production as a director before retiring at the end of the Spring 2026 semester. 

Artwork by Jacob Rivera-Sanchez