Currently associate academic vice president at BYU, Dr. Gary R. Hooper earned a bachelor’s degree from BYU’s Botany and Range Science Department and his PhD in plant pathology from the University of California, Riverside. He has been a professor at California Polytechnic State University, San Louis Obispo; Michigan State University; and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, where he was also vice provost for research and dean of the graduate school.
Dr. Hooper returned to BYU in 1992 to direct the Office of Research and Creative Activities and in 1996 was appointed associate academic vice president with responsibilities for research and graduate studies. He has been instrumental in developing the ORCA Fellowship and Student Mentoring Grant programs at BYU.
His research interests are in electron microscopy of plants and he has published more than 75 scientific articles and books and more than 100 other academic works.
Dr. Hooper has been active in community service, serving as trustee of several museums of natural history and science. He currently serves on the Utah State Science Advisory Board.
Brother Hooper has served the Church as bishop of student wards and is currently on the high council of his stake. He and his wife, Karen Nicol Hooper, are the parents of three children.
