​​Reverend Joanne Walker Flowers, PhD is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She is a native of Louisville, Kentucky and a veteran of the Navy and the Army. She holds a PhD from the University of Texas; Master of Divinity - Emmanuel Christian Seminary; Master of Science - East Tennessee State University; and Master of Public Health- University of Pittsburgh; and Bachelor of Science - Central State University (Wilberforce, Ohio). Prior to entering ministry, she had a career as an environmental epidemiologist and college professor. She has participated in short term mission trips to Cuba, Haiti, Kenya, China, Portugal, and Turkey. She describes her ministry as working towards the growth of disciples in the light of God's word. She is married to Virgil Flowers and they have two adult children, Leah and Thurston.