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Hopper Scholarship Fund for International Programs

Dr. Jeff Hopper served as a distinguished professor of music, director of Honors Symposium and dean of both the Honors College and International Programs, dedicating 45 years to Harding University before retiring in 2019. 

A native of Sacramento, California, Hopper attended the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and earned a Bachelor of Music from Harding in 1974. He holds a Master of Music in piano performance from Southern Illinois University and a Doctorate in musicology from Rutgers University. He was hired upon graduation as an assistant professor and spent decades teaching in Harding’s Music department. He directed Spring Sing hosts and hostesses from 1975-85 and directed campus musicals such as My Fair Lady and 1776. A gifted pianist, Dr. Hopper traveled domestically and internationally performing as both a soloist and accompanist. He was remembered for his unconventional teaching approach and his deep connections to his students. During his tenure, he received the Teacher Achievement Award three times, earning Distinguished Professor status.

Two decades into his teaching career he began working closely with Dr. Don Shackleford, dean of international programs, and eventually becoming assistant dean and helping to establish international locations in England and Greece. He and his wife, Judy, led countless student groups abroad creating rich, memorable learning experiences for generations of students. In 2001 Hopper succeeded both Dr. Larry Long as dean of the Honors College and Dr. Don Shackleford as dean of international programs. He served as head of both until 2011 and continued to lead international programs until his retirement in 2019.

Under Hopper’s careful influence and passion, Harding University International Programs grew from a single program to six, spanning six of the world’s seven continents. He believed deeply that seeing the world afforded students a chance to experience new perspectives, navigate different cultures, provide opportunities for service and spark curiosity. To him, this was an essential form of learning, and he worked tirelessly to make study abroad more accessible to every Harding student. 

We warmly invite you to contribute to Harding International Programs in honor of Dr. Jeff Hopper whose decades of service and leadership leave a lasting impact on the University and its global initiatives. Your support will continue his legacy by offering financial assistance to students in need who wish to attend an international program. Donations in honor of Dr. Hopper may be made here. 

Shackelford Family Scholarship Fund for International Programs

For decades, it has been Dr. Don Shackelford's dream that young adults would travel the world and experience diverse cultures, learn from the history and philosophy of others, view the creative nature of humans in the arts and architecture, and grow closer to God, the creative creator. His philosophy was that if more students traveled, more would see the need to work as missionaries.

When the Florence Bible School shifted operations in the late 1970s, the door opened to begin a study abroad program in Scandicci, near Florence, Italy. Dr. Shackelford worked with President Clifton L. Ganus Jr. and other University leaders to create the first study abroad location at HUF in Fall 1980. The successful program later grew to add locations in Australasia, Europe, Greece, Latin America and Zambia.

The Shackelford family wants as many students as possible to have the opportunity to study abroad. Please prayerfully consider giving to this scholarship to bless students with a life-changing experience they would not otherwise be able to afford. Donations in honor of Dr. Shackelford may be made below. 

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