Dr. Hooper is the newcomer to the OCU History Department, arriving only in the fall of 1999. What a way to start the new millennium! As the resident "non-Americanist" she has the enviable task of covering the world, although she is strongest in European history and the various "isms" associated with that fascinating sub-continent. Within European history, her primary interests center on the modern period (after 1789) with special focus on the Balkans and France. At OCU, she teaches a wide range of courses, from Ancient Cultures to Twentieth Centiry Europe, as well as 'ism" seminars (Nationalism, Imperialism). And, in her own words - "loves it!"

Her students cite her energy and enthusiasm, crediting her with turning their dislike of history into an eagerness to learn more of it. They commend her on her willingness to work with them both inside and outside the classroom as well as for her ability to make history come alive.

Dr. Hooper's professional life has been diverse. A stint in the USAF took her to Texas, Okinawa Japan, Texas and Georgia. As a civilian, she then moved on to Texas, Oklahoma, Texas (again), Arizona, Colorado, California, Paris France, California, Pennsylvania and back to Oklahoma. Her career moves included time in banking, trust administration, real estate, telecommunications, medical equipment supply, builder's services, property management, office management, bookkeeping and accounting. Bored, she returned to school as a "non-traditional" student and found her element: learning!

Fascinated by archaeology and paleoanthropology but constrained by reality,  Hooper followed the advice of a mentor and took the "European route" to the study of ancient man: history. Hooper found that idea appealing, but was once again confronted with the vagarities of academe when her college shut down its program in Ancient History and the anthropology program discontinued its program in physical anthropology and archaeology.  Hmmm. Ever adaptable, Hooper shifted her focus to modern history. Deprived of the ability, talent and means to study ancient Greek, she decided to study modern Greece. Once in graduate school, she was informed that Greece was not part of Europe. Hmmmm. She negotiated with her professors, and agreed to shift her focus north if the professors would agree to shift their's south. She opted for Yugoslavia, which they grudgingly accepted as marginally part of Europe. Hooper found herself hooked on Balkan history - not a particularly well-trod path, but an interesting one. That path led to Paris, where she studied French diplomacy inthe Foreign Ministry archives and paid the bills by teaching English and American studies in various public and private university-style institutions.

Fully two years into her Ph.D. research under the guidance of a delightful professor, she found herself in Paris and a victim of California politics. Her mentor was retiring, the program she'd been working in was shut down, and she was academically homeless. Hmmm. Massive reflection, more than a little panic. Consolation and consultation found her a new academic home (and another delightful mentor) in a British university that would permit her to stay in France, finish her research and Ph.D. (rather, a D. Phil in British parlance) through the University of Southhampton. Life was good, and getting better.

At least until France told her she had to leave the country. More hmmm. More reflection. Another move - back to California and out of academia. Hooper discovered, much to her horror, that she was over-educated and as a result, generally unemployable. More reflection, a decision to re-enter academia, a move to Pennslyvania and the University of Pittsburgh. In February 1999, after three Ph.D. programs, Hooper became Dr. Hooper. Much rejoicing and relief. And more reflection. 

Landing at Oklahoma City University was a dream come true: teaching history at a small liberal arts school that emphasizes teaching and direct contact with students! Bliss.

Personal Life? You are joking. Dr. Hooper's personal life is centered on the animals (two cats and a dog) that call her their human, her friends, her home and her garden. Dog shows and obedience training, reading, gardening, cooking and trying to keep up with the world around her keep Dr. Hooper's life congenial; her students make it fun.