Born: Denton, TX

Raised: Ft. Worth, TX and Orem, UT; Attended Southwest High School in Ft. Worth and graduated from Orem High

Bachelor’s Degree: Brigham Young University in Near Eastern Studies, focus on Hebrew Bible

Master’s Degree: Brigham Young University in Near Eastern Studies, focus on Hebrew Bible

PhD: University of Texas at Austin in Hebrew Studies – Focus on Medieval Hebrew, Arabic, and Spanish literature

Previous career: Taught for Seminaries and Institutes – 4 years at Timpview High School (1997-2001), 4 years at Provo High School (2001-2005), 6 years at Austin Institute (2006-2011)

Family: Wife, Jennifer and 4 children; Son of Lorraine Hopkin and Arden Hopkin (who currently teaches in the BYU School of Music)

Classes taught: Book of Mormon, Old Testament, New Testament, Isaiah, Pearl of Great Price

Research interests: Judaism and Islam; Medieval cultures and literature; Biblical studies; Religions of the World

Languages: Spanish; Hebrew; Arabic; Aramaic

Other interests and hobbies: I love to teach! Teaching and directing in the EFY program; Interfaith dialogue; BYU and University of Texas sports programs; Basketball; Home improvement projects; Reading, reading, and reading