Joe Dan Banker was born and raised in Ft. Worth, Texas and attended the University of Texas, at Austin, Texas for undergraduate studies.  He earned a bachelor’s degree in Physiological and Industrial Psychology.  

Following graduation from the University of Texas, Joe Dan Banker entered service in the United States Navy as an Officer specializing in Surface Warfare.  Serving in the Navy for over twenty years he developed specialties in Strategic Planning, Operational Analysis, Weapons, Operations, Education and Training (teaching, curriculum development, and instructional leadership/management/administration).  He attended the United States Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island, earning a master’s degree in International Affairs/Political Science.  His last tour of duty was as a professor on the faculty of the United States Naval War College.  He continued his relationship with that institution as an online adjunct professor for a graduate course in Policy and Decision Making.

Retiring as a senior officer from the Navy in 2000, Joe Dan Banker took over as the Commander of the NJROTC program at Lee County High School, Leesburg, Georgia.  He took over as Director of Continuing Education at Albany Technical College, Albany Georgia, during the summer of 2002.  November 2003, he assumed duties as Dean of Academic Affairs at Albany Technical College and in August 2005 he was appointed the Vice President for Academic Affairs at Albany Technical College.  In November 2010, Joe Dan Banker started work at the Technical College System of Georgia, System Office, Atlanta Georgia, as the Executive Director for Academic Affairs.

Later, Joe Dan Banker was appointed Assistant Commissioner for Workforce Development, then appointed Deputy Commissioner for Technical Education, Workforce Development, and Secondary Initiatives.  Retiring from the Technical College System of Georgia, he divided his time between retirement on his horse farm and consulting with an Independent Electrical Contractor.  In November 2022, Joe Dan Banker started work with the University System of Georgia as the Director for Military Affairs.  He assists the 25 institutions in the University System of Georgia to recruit, retain, and graduate military connected students (Active Duty, Guard, Reserve, Veterans, and their families).  In March 2026, Joe Dan was asked to step in as Interim Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, University System of Georgia.  In May, 2026, he assumed the role of Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student and Military Affairs for the University System of Georgia.  Joe Dan also serves as Vice President for Education on the Board of the Navy League of the United States, Atlanta Metropolitan Council.

He is married to the former Nancy Jane Armor, also of Ft. Worth, Texas.  They have been married for forty-three years and now enjoy hosting their three grandchildren on their horse farm in Walton County, Georgia.