BYU president Merrill J. Bateman has appointed Gary R. Hooper, currently associate academic vice president at BYU, as his representative on the FARMS Board of Trustees.

Hooper is a plant scientist. He received his Ph.D. in plant pathology at the University of California, Riverside, in 1968. He has been a professor of botany and plant pathology at Michigan State University (1968­1980) and at Virginia Tech (1980­1992).

While at Virginia Tech, he served as department head and as vice provost of research and dean of the graduate school. He was a charter trustee of the Virginia Museum of Natural History until his move to Utah in 1992. At BYU he served as executive director of the Office of Research and Creative Works (1992­1996). He was appointed associate academic vice president for research and graduate studies in 1996.

Hooper continues to be active in botanical work and has a personal interest in the origins of agriculture in Mesoamerica. As a board member he will bring experience in seeking external funding support for FARMS projects. He will also continue in his role as FARMS administrative liaison to the academic vice president's office.

Commenting on his new appointment, Hooper said, "I have enjoyed my association with FARMS and its board this past year and have become even more appreciative of all the good work and publications being produced. I look forward to continuing this association and contributing to the progress of FARMS."