Joan Reeves has three children—Jonathan (Eugene, OR), Jason (Chattanooga, TN), and Jessica (Montevallo, AL). She began her teaching career at Bryant Middle School, teaching 5th-9th grade history. After three years, she was assigned to teach 5th-9th grade English (and an occasional math class). Eight years later, she was reassigned to North Sand Mountain High School where she taught 9th and 11th grade English for eight years. In 1986 she was hired as an adjunct to teach English at Northeast Alabama Community College. In 1990 she was hired full time at NACC, and in 1991 was awarded the NACC Founder’s Chair Outstanding Faculty Member award.

When hired full time at NACC, Reeves had two goals—she wanted to begin an English honor society similar to the one she was a member of in college and to publish a literary magazine for student writers. In 1996 she established the first chapter of Sigma Kappa Delta (English Honor Society) in Alabama and the fourth in the nation. She has served on the national board of Sigma Kappa Delta as a regent, president, and presently serves as the vice-president. The other goal was achieved in 2000 when the college published the first edition of the Aurora, the NACC literary magazine. As a project for the Aurora staff, Reeves also created a writing competition for area middle and high school writers.

In 2001 Reeves was appointed chair of the English and Fine Arts Division. In addition to her duties as chair, instructor, and sponsor and National President of SKD, she also serves as the Director of Student Activities (SGA sponsor).