Dr. Joye Billow received a BS in pharmacy and a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry from Temple University School of Pharmacy in 1967 and 1972, respectively. She joined the South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy faculty in 1972, where she served as a professor of pharmaceutical sciences and a licensed pharmacist for 30 years. She was recognized for her career accomplishments by being named an SDSU Woman of Distinction in 2002.

Dr. Billow was a founding member of the Brookings Women’s Center and served on its board until it closed. She helped established the Brookings Domestic Abuse Shelter. Dr. Billow also helped establish the Brookings Hospice organization and was board president for several years.

Joye was exceedingly generous to TUSP, setting up and funding an endowed scholarship during her lifetime. After she passed away in 2013, a newly created faculty endowed fund to support TUSP faculty was established. At that time, this was the largest bequest in the School's history.