Joel Oakley
Joel Oakley
B.S in Mechanical Engineering, minor in Mathematics, 2004
M.S in Mathematics, 2006
When Joel Oakley came to Mississippi State, he was looking for a strong engineering program close to home. He left MSU with much more than a degree: a passion for mathematics, a career that started in higher education, and a Christian faith he discovered during his college years.
“I chose MSU for my undergraduate degree because I wanted a strong engineering program that was close to home. As I took more upper-level mathematics courses, I found that I really enjoyed the courses and professors and decided to pursue an M.S. in mathematics after finishing my undergraduate degree.”
Two experiences in particular shaped Oakley's time at MSU.
“The first is an upper-level mathematics course called Advanced Calculus that was taught by Dr. Seth Oppenheimer. That course really provided me a clear indication that I wanted to pursue further studies in mathematics. The second experience was a Bible study called Phase II lead by Butch Simmons; it was due to that study that I found my Christian faith,” he said.
His growing interest in mathematics led him to another influential professor, Ratnasingham Shivaji.
“I loved how beautifully he wrote mathematics on the blackboard with multiple colors of chalk, and he encouraged me to pursue a Ph.D. in mathematics,” said Oakley, who earned his doctoral degree from the University of Georgia in 2014, and eventually became a math professor for a portion of his career.
Oakley also found a home outside the classroom as a member of the Famous Maroon Band.
“My favorite memory from my time at MSU is playing the trombone in the Famous Maroon Band during the infamous ‘Snow Bowl.’ It was incredibly unique and almost a surreal experience.”
After earning his M.S. in 2006, Oakley followed the path his professors had encouraged him to pursue. He taught mathematics courses at MSU before earning his Ph.D. He then taught at Shorter University and Belhaven University before he felt the itch for a career change.
In 2020, he began working toward becoming a credentialed actuary, ultimately making a career transition that allowed him to put his extensive mathematics background to work in a new field. Today, he works in an actuarial role at Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company.
Professionally, Oakley is particularly proud of earning his Ph.D. and becoming an associate of the Society of Actuaries.
“My extensive mathematics background made passing the notoriously difficult actuarial exams a far easier task. Additionally, many of the courses I took prepared me to handle various advanced computer tasks that I use regularly in my career,” said Oakley.
Outside of work, Oakley remains busy with his family, church, and hobbies.
“I have a wife, Abbi, of nearly 20 years and two sons that keep me busy with their activities most of the time. I am regularly involved with my sons’ sports teams and school events as well as church activities. My most unique hobby is collecting and playing board games.”
Oakley also makes sure his sons experience some of the MSU culture that shaped his own college years.
“I attend sporting events at MSU a few times per year to make sure that my children get exposed to the great culture that I enjoyed as a student.”
Oakley's career transition has given him a firsthand perspective on the value of being willing to explore new possibilities. His advice to students is simple: don't be afraid to change course.
“Do not be afraid to try your hand at different jobs or careers. You are unlikely to find exactly what fits you best right after graduating, but the journey is rewarding in its own right.”
That willingness to follow his curiosity—from mechanical engineering to mathematics, from professor to actuary—has been a defining part of Oakley's journey. He credits his College of Arts & Sciences professors with encouraging that curiosity from the beginning.
“The professors fostered my natural curiosity about how things work, and I am thankful that they encouraged me to continue to follow that inclination throughout my life.”