Taught at a young age that his name was his most valuable asset, Aubrey Hooper, a 2001 Law Magnet (better known today as the Judge Barefoot Sanders Magnet Center) alum, has set out to live a life of service to others and build a reputation as a citizen leader who walks with integrity, putting himself on the line to make a difference.
Today, Hooper serves as vice president of the DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees where he has been a member since 2011. He has spent much of his time working in the community, spearheading the development of national leadership and educational programs and positively impacting lives.
AlumNow, The Hub feature that profiles Dallas ISD alumni, had a chance to connect with Hooper for an update on his super busy life.
What are you doing now?
I’m a campus administrator with Dallas County Juvenile Department where I serve as the instructional leader at the Medlock Youth Village Campus at the Academy for Academic Excellence.
Briefly list a few of your career and/or personal highlights.
- Graduated with honors with a degree in political science from Morehouse College and served as SGA vice president my senior year.
- Elected to serve as a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors (2003-2008) (2015-current).
- Graduated with honors from the University of Texas at Arlington with a master’s degree in urban affairs and policy.
- Elected in 2011 to the DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees and currently serving as vice president of the board.
What was your favorite subject or activity/involvement in high school?
My favorite subject was government. My AP Government teacher was Mrs. Carolyn King Arnold, who now serves as a member of the Dallas City Council. She helped to nurture a passion for public service and citizen responsibility that has helped to guide my career.
Who was your favorite teacher?
This is a very difficult selection because I have a few favorite teachers. One is my fifth- and sixth-grade teacher, Dr. Frances Hodge, who taught me at Edward Titche Elementary. She helped to create an appreciation for helping others and being a good citizen. In high school, Ms. Rojas, Ms. Jordan, and Mrs. King Arnold helped to shape my prospective on life and assisted in molding me into the leader that I have become today. They helped to inspire my 2011 successful run for the DeSoto ISD School Board.
What lesson did you learn in high school or beyond that has served you well through the years?
I learned that you can achieve anything if you are committed to put in the necessary work to achieve it. At Law Magnet, Mr. Robert L. Giesler helped me understand that my name was my most valuable asset, and he taught me of the importance of protecting the brand that is attached to my name.
What advice, if any, would you offer to high school students today?
Surround yourself with people who are as smart as you or smarter. Every day is about moving from good to great, therefore, you must take advantage of every chance to grow and develop.
College/University and degree earned:
Bachelor’s degree in political science, Morehouse College, 2005.
Master’s degree in urban affairs and policy, UTA.
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