Alexis Joiner was born in Southampton County, VA on October 4, 1955, where he was educated in the public schools. He attended Virginia State University, graduating in 1978 with a BS Degree in Fine Arts. Joyner attended graduate school at Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University, receiving the MFA in Sculpture in 1984. He taught in the Isle of Wight County Public School System from 1979-1989. Currently, Professor Joyner is the Chair of the Department of Art at Elizabeth City State University. He has been teaching at the University since 1989. He and his wife Robin have three children: Chenay, Tarsha, and Jameel.

Joyner has exhibited extensively — locally, regionally, and internationally. His works are in many public and private collections. His works are among the collections of Elizabeth City State University, Chattanooga State Technical College, the Daura Gallery at Lynchburg College, and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture at the New York City Public Library.