Dr. Joe Way Bio

Dr. Joe Way is a dynamic force in the world of education technology and leadership. With "impact" as his guiding principle, Dr. Way is dedicated to transforming organizations and individuals alike through the strategic use of knowledge, technology, and faith.

Driven by a passion for servant leadership, Dr. Way embodies his philosophy: "The answer is always yes." His unwavering commitment to excellence shines through in everything he does. Whether it's mastering his field, demonstrating profound knowledge, or diligently working toward meaningful outcomes, Dr. Way's dedication is unwavering.

Dr. Way's extensive experience seamlessly combines technology and project management, business and brand development (with a focus on startups), higher education leadership, and practical theology. His unique background allows him to offer a fresh perspective and innovative solutions to the challenges of today's rapidly changing world.

Throughout his career, Dr. Way has been recognized with diverse awards and accolades in various domains, including business, education, the arts, entertainment, and community service. His ability to make a difference in these diverse arenas showcases his versatility and dedication to making a positive impact.

Whether you're seeking an engaging speaker, a knowledgeable consultant, technical expertise, staff training, or a creative mind to drive your projects, Dr. Joe Way is the go-to expert you can rely on. Contact him today and experience how he can help your team achieve unprecedented success.

Experience

• Executive Director, Digital Spaces

  • UCLA, Westwood, California
  • Sep 2023 - Present
  • Leading initiatives driving transformative changes in digital education and pioneering innovative solutions in education technology at UCLA.

• Chair, Board of Directors; Editor-in-Chief of Higher Ed AV

  • Higher Education Technology Managers Alliance (HETMA)
  • Apr 2019 - Present
  • Serving as the Chair of the Board of Directors and Editor-in-Chief of Higher Ed AV, playing a pivotal role in advocating for the higher education vertical within the AV industry.

• Independent Consultant and Former Business Owner

  • Orange County, California Area
  • 1995 - Present
  • Offering expertise spanning organizational leadership, technical and creative direction, team building, employee development, client acquisition, media production, event production, AV/IT technology, writing, teaching, coaching, startups, brand marketing, fundraising, web development, facilities operations, and sales training.

• Director, Learning Environments

  • University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
  • Aug 2019 - Sep 2023
  • Overseeing the largest classroom educational technology upgrade in the history of the University of Southern California, transforming educational technology through innovative AV solutions and receiving numerous industry awards and recognitions.

• Director of Multimedia Services

  • California Baptist University, Riverside, California
  • Jul 2016 - Aug 2019
  • Leading a team overseeing 600+ ed tech spaces across 64 buildings, making substantial improvements in both operational efficiency and end-user satisfaction.

• Regional Technical Director (Contractor)

  • Saddleback Church, Aliso Viejo, California
  • Nov 2015 - Mar 2019
  • Playing a pivotal role as the regional weekend services technical director at Saddleback Church, managing production teams and implementing cutting-edge technology solutions.

• Technical Director

  • Compass Bible Church, Aliso Viejo, California Area
  • 2011 - 2014
  • Excelling in technical production, volunteer management, staff development, AVL integration, and much more during tenure as Technical Director.

• Owner: Staff & Business Development, Instructor, Investor

  • Promenade Studios, Irvine, CA
  • 2002 - 2011
  • Making significant strides in staff and business management, instruction, event planning, branding/marketing, and creative direction as the owner of Promenade Studios.

• Supervisor & Instructor

  • AMI, Columbus, OH
  • Feb 1996 - Dec 1999
  • Earned recognition as a 2x National Top Teacher and National Industry Top Salesman, excelling in teaching, sales, and development during the time at AMI.

• Supervisor, Audio/Visual Event Tech

  • University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
  • 1992 - 1995
  • Managing live production events and venues, overseeing audio and lighting teams.

Education

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

  • University of Birmingham, 2015 - 2018
  • In 2018, Dr. Way earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree from the University of Birmingham. During his doctoral studies, he was actively involved as a Postgraduate Student Rep, showcasing his dedication to academic excellence and leadership.

• Master’s Degree (Summa Cum Laude)

  • Moody Bible Institute, 2013 - 2014
  • Dr. Way achieved academic excellence at the Moody Bible Institute, where he earned his Master's Degree with Summa Cum Laude honors. This accomplishment reflects his commitment to scholarly pursuits and his dedication to knowledge.

• Bachelor’s Degree (Honors)

  • University of Southern California, 1991 - 1995
  • Dr. Way's academic journey began at the University of Southern California, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree with Honors. During his undergraduate years, he was actively involved in various activities and societies, including Trojan Knights, Mortar Board, Order of the Torch, Student Affairs, Archaeology Lab, Diogenes Philosophy Society, Dance Team, Audio and Production Tech, United We Stand America, and Tau Alpha.

Volunteering

• Co-Founder

  • Higher Education Technology Managers Alliance (HETMA), Jan 2019 - Present
  • Dr. Way is a co-founder of the Higher Education Technology Managers Alliance (HETMA), a testament to his commitment to advancing technology in education.

• Board Member: Diversity Council

  • Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association, Jun 2018 - Present
  • Dr. Way serves as a board member on the Diversity Council of the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association, contributing to the promotion of diversity within the AV industry.

• Board Member: Tech Manager's Council

  • Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association, May 2017 - Present
  • Dr. Way's involvement as a board member on the Tech Manager's Council of the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association demonstrates his dedication to education and technology.

• Executive Board

  • Trojan Board of Directors (Education)
  • Dr. Way's engagement on the executive board of the Trojan Board of Directors reflects his continued commitment to education.

• Board Member: Higher Education Advisory Council

  • Panasonic USA, Mar 2018 - Present
  • Dr. Way is a board member of the Higher Education Advisory Council at Panasonic USA, contributing to the advancement of education technology.

• Board Member

  • USC Alumni Club of Orange County (Education)
  • Dr. Way's involvement with the USC Alumni Club of Orange County highlights his dedication to his alma mater and the broader educational community.

• Postgraduate Student Rep

  • University of Birmingham, Oct 2015 - Present
  • As a postgraduate student representative at the University of Birmingham, Dr. Way continues to play an active role in fostering academic excellence.

Licenses & Certifications

• Leadership Principles

  • Harvard Business School Online, Issued Mar 2021

• Presenter Certification

  • ON24, Issued Jan 2021

• Master Technology Architect

  • Crestron Electronics, Issued Jul 2020

• CET Institute for Staff Supporting Instruction

  • University of Southern California, Issued May 2020

• DM NVX Design and Application

  • Crestron Electronics, Issued Dec 2019

• Certified Dante Trainer

  • Audinate, Issued Nov 2019

• Management Essentials

  • University of Southern California, Issued Oct 2019

• Applying the QM Rubric

  • QM Quality Matters, Issued May 2019

• ITIL® 4 Foundation CPD

  • AXELOS Global Best Practice, Issued Apr 2019

• SDVoE AV-Over-IP Design Certification

  • SDVoE Alliance, Issued Apr 2019

• Dante Domain Manager Technical Training

  • Audinate, Issued Jan 2018

• Shure Microphones

  • Shure Audio Institute, Issued Jan 2018

• HDBaseT Expert Installer

  • HDBaseT Alliance, Issued Oct 2017

• Sony: Active Learning Classrooms

  • Sony, Issued Oct 2017

• Peerless-AV Certified Installer: Gold Level

  • Peerless-AV, Issued Jul 2017

• BrightSign: Advanced Techniques

  • AVIXA, Issued Jun 2017

• Dante Certification Level 3

  • Audinate, Issued Jun 2017

• Certified Technology Specialist (CTS)

  • AVIXA, Issued May 2017

• Extron Control Professional

  • Extron, Issued May 2017

• AV Networking

  • Association for Audiovisual & Education Technology Management, Issued Jan 2017

• AV Technologist

  • AVIXA, Issued Jan 2016

• CBEST, California Basic Educational Skills Test

  • California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

• Certificate in Instructional Systems Design

  • Alison Professional

• Diploma in Project Management

  • Alison Professional

• Fellow / Master

  • ProDVIDA & AMI

• OSHA Safety & Boom Lift Certification

  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration

• Professional Certification, Event and Production Technology

  • United States Institute for Theatre Technology

Skills
Dr. Joe Way possesses a diverse skill set, including expertise in Higher Education, Educational Leadership, Team Leadership, Project Management, Theology, Research, Biblical Studies, Business Development, Writing, Education, Copy Editing, Sales Management, Online Teaching, Instructional Design, Small Business, Live Sound, Event Planning, Strategic Planning, Nonprofits, Leadership, Volunteer Management, Teaching, Training, Public Speaking, Fundraising, Community Outreach, Management, Leadership Development, Technical Direction, Live Event Producer, Team Development, College Teaching, Editorial Process, Consultants, Creative Direction, Stage Direction, Train Staff, Successful Business Owner, Instructor Certified, Philosophy, Humanities, Team Building, Editing, Planning Budgeting & Forecasting, Audio Visual (AV) Systems, Dynamic Speaker, and Podcasting.

Publications

• Producing Worship: A Theology of Church Technical Arts

  • Self Published Amazon Bestseller
  • Dec 11, 2018

• Higher Ed AV Podcast

  • Josiah Way
  • Sep 12, 2018
  • Top-rated Higher Ed Podcast for AV Technology Managers

Honors & Awards

• 2021 AV Project of the Year

  • Issued by AV Nation
  • Feb 2022
  • Associated with University of Southern California

• 2020 Best Virtual Event

  • Issued by AV Nation
  • Feb 2021
  • Associated with Higher Education Technology Managers Alliance (HETMA)

• 2020 Service Team of the Year

  • Issued by AV Magazine
  • Nov 2020
  • Associated with University of Southern California

• 2020 Higher Ed Integration Project of the Year

  • Issued by Commercial Integrator
  • Jun 2020
  • Associated with the University of Southern California

• 2019 AV Professional of the Year

  • Issued by AVNation
  • Feb 2020
  • Associated with University of Southern California

• Bestseller, New Releases: "Producing Worship"

  • Issued by Amazon
  • Jan 2018
  • Associated with Independent Consultant and Former Business Owner

• Top Article of 2017

  • Issued by Church Production Magazine
  • Jan 2017
  • Associated with Independent Consultant and Former Business Owner

• Summa Cum Laude

  • Issued by Moody Bible Institute
  • May 2014
  • Associated with Moody Bible Institute

• Best of Business Award

  • Issued by Small Business Commerce Association
  • Jan 2010
  • Associated with Independent Consultant and Former Business Owner

• 6x "Best of OC" Business

  • Issued by OC Weekly
  • Jan 2008
  • Associated with Independent Consultant and Former Business Owner
  • 2003-2008

• Businessman of the Year

  • Issued by Orange County Business Council
  • Jan 2008
  • Associated with Independent Consultant and Former Business Owner

• 2x United States Top Educator of the Year

  • Issued by Arthur Murray, Int'l
  • Jan 1998
  • Associated with Independent Consultant and Former Business Owner
  • 1997-1998

• Top Salesman Industry-Wide

  • Issued by Arthur Murray, Int'l
  • Jan 1998
  • Associated with Independent Consultant and Former Business Owner

• Saturn Award for Service

  • Issued by Saturn of America and University of Southern California
  • Jan 1995
  • Associated with University of Southern California

• Senior Service Award

  • Issued by University of Southern California
  • Jan 1995
  • Associated with University of Southern California

• Mortar Board Senior Honor Society

  • Issued by University of Southern California
  • Jan 1994
  • Associated with University of Southern California

• Order of the Torch

  • Issued by University of Southern California
  • Jan 1994
  • Associated with the University of Southern California

Organizations

• Higher Education Technology Managers Alliance

  • Co-Founder · Jan 2019 - Present
  • Associated with California Baptist University

• Consortium of College and University Media Centers

  • Sep 2018 - Present
  • Associated with California Baptist University

• Directors of Educational Technology / California Higher Education

  • Nov 2017 - Present
  • Associated with California Baptist University

• Music Producers Guild

  • Apr 2017 - Present
  • Associated with Independent Consultant and Former Business Owner

• EDUCAUSE

  • Jun 2016 - Present
  • Associated with California Baptist University

• Institute for Biblical Research

  • Nov 2015 - Present
  • Associated with California Baptist University

• Society for the Arts in Religious & Theological Studies

  • Nov 2015 - Present
  • Associated with California Baptist University

• Trojan Board of Directors

  • Executive Board · Mar 2015 - Present

• Council for Christian Colleges and Universities

  • Sep 2013 - Present
  • Associated with California Baptist University

• Society of Biblical Research / American Academy of Religion

  • Jun 2013 - Present
  • Associated with California Baptist University

• Evangelical Theological Society

  • Full Member · May 2013 - Present
  • Associated with California Baptist University

• Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Organization

  • Diversity Council and Tech Manager's Council · Jan 2005 - Present
  • Associated with Independent Consultant and Former Business Owner

• National Association of Music Merchants

  • Jul 2002 - Present
  • Associated with Independent Consultant and Former Business Owner