Hometown Hillsdale: Joanna Wiseley, ’76
Written by Stephanie Gordon
Michigan native Joanna James Wiseley, ’76, thought she was set to take on a large university after graduating from Charlotte High School, but a visit to Hillsdale’s quaint campus sealed the deal for her college career. “I came to Hillsdale and felt like I belonged,” smiled Joanna. “That was the end of the story.”
And her Hillsdale story didn’t end after four years of undergrad. The physical education major and biology minor worked as an admissions counselor after graduation, then took a job at the George Roche Sports Complex and coached women’s tennis and cheerleaders. “I loved tennis,” said Joanna. “I have fond memories of playing with other admissions counselors in a competitive city recreation league.”
As a student, Joanna enjoyed fitness and “was always doing something.” She was a cheerleader and president of her sorority, Pi Beta Phi. She recalls fond classroom memories with English professor Dr. James Juroe. “I still talk to him and see him occasionally,” said Joanna. “I appreciated Dean of Women CarolAnn Barker. She helped me in my Career Services role.”
After a short teaching stint in Ohio, Joanna received a call from the College. “I was the president of the Toledo-area Alumni Association, and I was on the Alumni Board, so I was still actively involved with the College,” said Joanna. “They told me there was a Career Services director position open. So, I, of course, moved back to Hillsdale.”
For 31 years, Joanna served as director of the Career Services Office and was commencement coordinator, completing her duties in 2020. “I was 67 when I retired, but I still hear from some students,” Joanna said. “I will carry my experiences working with students forever. I absolutely loved it. My proudest moment at Hillsdale was watching my son, BJ, ’07, walk across the stage to receive his diploma.”
Now retired, Joanna enjoys spending time with her husband and Hillsdale native, Scott, and their three sons, BJ, Stuart, and Kyle. She has three grandsons and two granddaughters, all living around the country.
“We sometimes call it (Hillsdale) the bubble, but Scott and I will always call Hillsdale home,” Joanna said. “I love Hillsdale for its convenience, but more importantly, it’s the people. I enjoy giving back to the community in different ways.”
Joanna sat on the Hospice of Hillsdale County board for many years and currently volunteers at King’s Cupboard at Trinity Lutheran Church. She currently works part time at Maggie Anne’s in downtown Hillsdale and recently invested in a pro shop with Scott at the Hills of Baw Beese Lake golf course. She enjoys golfing with Scott and playing pickleball with friends at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
“I still have a large group of Hillsdale friends I keep in touch with, and every year, we do a lady’s weekend and couples’ weekend,” Joanna added. “The bonds that were formed with friends during my college years are irreplaceable.”
For Joanna, her story had just begun during that college visit. Little did she know that she would serve her alma mater for 33 years and the city of Hillsdale would become home. All because of a visit to the quaint Hillsdale College campus.
Stephanie Gordon, a lifelong Hillsdale native, is the managing editor of Virtue and Valor: The Official Blog of Hillsdale College. She is married to chiropractor, Dr. Matt Gordon, and has three children – Eloise, Flora, and Jack. When she has a spare moment, she enjoys paleo baking, floating on Baw Beese Lake, and breaking a sweat at the gym.
Published in April 2025