Dr. McMillan received a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, from Wilmington College, a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from The George Washington University, a Master of Science of Strategic Intelligence degree from the National Defense Intelligence College, and a PhD in Criminal Justice from Walden University.   He is also a graduate of the Air War College non-resident program and the Federal Executive Institute.

In October 1976, Joe entered active duty and was initially assigned as a law enforcement specialist.  His work has spanned from the Mid-Atlantic to the European and Southwest Asia and the Middle East Theaters.  He has served active duty and in the reserves, as a USAF Special Agent, Special Agent in Charge, and Assistant Inspector General for Investigations.  His career has covered the Air Force, Defense Criminal Investigative Services, Senior Executive Service, Office of Personnel Management, and Office of Inspector General.  As a highlight of his service in September 2006, he joined the Senior Executive Service (SES) and was appointed the Assistant Inspector General for Investigations for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Office of the Inspector General.  He was responsible for managing all investigative employees involved in criminal, counterintelligence, civil, administrative, and technical regulatory investigations.

Joe is a Past National President for the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, a member of the Senior Executive Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.  He is a Contributing Faculty member in Criminal Justice at Walden University.  His doctoral research focused on reduction of gun homicides in U.S. youth using a multi-disciplinary public health approach at the nexus of epidemiology and criminology. His post doctoral research is focused on the 21^st Century Policing Report and changing policing cultural from a warrior to a guardian mindset. Dr. McMillan is not only an Institute Social Change Fellow, but also Co-Chair of the Institute’s Anti Racism Initiative.