The last time Joy Lybeer ’84 spoke to a captive audience at Wofford College was during her Commencement ceremony, during which she delivered the valedictory address.
Lybeer, the former chief revenue officer and senior vice president of global partnerships at Equifax, returned to Wofford on March 25 and shared nearly four decades of insights and expertise with current students.
“My motivation for being here was a curiosity about what it's like to be a student at Wofford College in 2024 instead of 1984 and to try to get a glimpse into their stories,” says Lybeer, who graduated summa cum laude with majors in economics and English.
Lybeer’s visit wasn’t just about reminiscing; it was about guiding the next generation. She emphasized the value of a liberal arts education, citing her own experiences in English, theater and choir at Wofford as foundational to her success in the corporate world.
What surprised her most were the thoughtful discussions she had with students about the importance of critical thinking and lifelong learning.
“Actually, I was the student instead of the teacher,” Lybeer says. “I recall when I was a student at Wofford it took a hot minute for me to find my community. And I did and had a glorious experience here. I claim this as the birthplace of my discovery of the competencies I would need to be successful in business.”
Beyond sharing her personal journey, Lybeer raised thought-provoking questions about the future direction of the college. She challenged the community to be innovative and inclusive and to cultivate an environment that fosters curiosity.
“Bringing alumni to campus allows them to experience, firsthand, the Wofford of today,” says Dina Roberts, director of philanthropy. “It was great to see Joy connect with students and engage with faculty. I am excited to explore further engagement opportunities for and with her.”
After finishing her studies at Wofford, Lybeer, originally from Atlanta, Georgia, worked at SunTrust Bank before moving to Equifax in 2009. Over the years, she took on different leadership roles, eventually becoming the chief revenue officer in 2020.
“Returning to Wofford feels like coming home,” Lybeer says. “It's a privilege to share my journey and insights with the students who are the future leaders of tomorrow.”