The Sense
Behind the Cents
Joy Hambrick is a proud native of Georgia, a lifelong educator, and an ever-curious student of the world around her. With more than three decades of experience in higher education, she brings a wealth of knowledge, practical insight, and infectious enthusiasm to every endeavor she undertakes. Currently, she serves as the Dean of the School of Business and Professional Studies at Georgia Highlands College, where she leads with heart, vision, and a firm belief in the transformative power of education.
Joy holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics and Finance from Kennesaw State University and a Master of Science in Econometrics from Georgia State University. Her academic path has always been driven by a deep fascination with the patterns and principles that shape economies, societies, and individual choices. But long before she stepped into the classroom, she spent years working in the corporate world and consulting across multiple sectors. This early professional experience still fuels her teaching and leadership style today, grounding it in real-world relevance and a results-oriented mindset.
Over the years, Joy has developed a reputation not only for her subject-matter expertise but also for her ability to make complex concepts accessible, meaningful, and even fun. She thrives on helping students—from all walks of life—see how economics connects to the decisions they make, the careers they pursue, and the communities they belong to. Whether she’s lecturing on supply and demand or hosting a conversation on fiscal policy, her goal remains the same: to make economics feel like a tool, not a test.
Outside the world of academia, Joy is a happily married empty nester who’s been building a beautiful life with her husband for 35 years. Together, they’ve raised two remarkable daughters and welcomed a wonderful son-in-law into their family. She’s also the very proud “grandma” to three grand-dogs—Ralph, Loki, and Elphie—and the devoted dog mom to Leo, a feisty and lovable Bichon puppy who brings daily doses of chaos and joy.
Joy’s interests are as varied as they are heartfelt. She’s a dedicated Francophile who’s always dreaming of her next trip abroad, a passionate football fan who rarely misses a game, and a half-marathoner who once crossed the finish line on French soil. She loves reading, closet organization (yes, really), putting together the perfect outfit, and reciting movie quotes with uncanny precision. Her life is built around joy—both the name and the feeling—and she finds it in the smallest details as much as in the biggest milestones.
Through the Common Cents podcast and blog, Joy Hambrick shares her unique blend of academic rigor and personal storytelling to bridge the gap between economic theory and everyday life. Whether exploring the impacts of inflation, the intricacies of labor markets, or the economics behind daily decisions, she brings clarity, compassion, and a sense of humor to every post and episode. Her mission is simple: to help people find confidence, connection, and even a little fun in the world of economics.