Born: Denton, Texas

Raised: Ft. Worth, Texas, and Orem, Utah; 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—four years at Timpview High School (1997–2001), four years at Provo High School (2001–2005), six years at Austin institute of religion (2006–2011)

Family: Wife, Jennifer, and four 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