Dr. Joe Watkins ('78, '90) has devoted his life to faithful leadership, Christian service, and the strengthening of both church and university communities. From an early age, he sensed God’s call to pastoral ministry and has spent nearly five decades answering that call with humility and conviction.
Joe completed his undergraduate degree in Pastoral Theology in 1978, working his way through school while serving as a campus security guard during the early years at Point Loma following the relocation from Pasadena. In 1990, he received his Master of Ministry from PLNU and later completed a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Arizona in 2000.
Following his graduation in 1978, Joe served in pastoral ministry for more than 20 years before returning to Point Loma in 2001 as Director of Development. Over the next 15 years, he held several senior leadership roles, ultimately serving as Executive Vice President of PLNU. In these capacities, he oversaw key university operations and provided leadership for multiple capital campaigns and major institutional initiatives. His service also included extensive involvement on the PLNU Board of Trustees and the Foundation Board, reflecting his deep commitment to the university’s long-term mission.
In recent years, Joe returned to full-time pastoral leadership as Executive Pastor and later Senior Pastor of Pasadena First Church of the Nazarene, where he served for seven years. During this season, he guided the congregation through financial renewal, expanded community outreach, and strengthened intergenerational ministry while also providing steady encouragement during the challenges of the pandemic and Altadena fires. Joe’s pastoral leadership was marked by compassion, authenticity, and a deep concern for individual lives. Congregants regularly noted his commitment to listening, mentoring, and walking alongside others in seasons of grief and growth. Joe formally retired in April 2025 after nearly 30 years of ministerial service.
Throughout his career, Joe has modeled a rare integration of academic leadership, pastoral care, and Christ-centered service. Dr. Watkins’ lifelong commitment to Point Loma Nazarene University, the Church of the Nazarene, and the communities he has served stands as a powerful testimony to servant leadership.
Joe and his wife Joan (10 MSN) reside in Winchester, CA.