Biographical Text
Associate Professor Emerita of History Rena Caldwell Hoover (November 18, 1915 -), retired college professor, was born in Rock Hill, South Carolina the daughter of William Thomas and Nancy McAteer Caldwell. She is married to Francis Lentz Hoover (November 5, 1914 - ), professor emeritus of health, physical education and recreation at Appalachian State University. The Hoovers have one daughter, Carolyn Alice Hoover Murray (August 29, 1945 in Durham, North Carolina -), who, in high school, played basketball, was a member of the Beta Club, the National Honor Society, and received the scholarship award for highest academic average. She earned her B.S. degree from Appalachian State University in 1968 where she was graduated summa cum laude. She married William Bahnson Murray, Jr., on December 20, 1964, and the couple have three children: Kimberly Lynn Murray (September 1, 1977 in Tucson, Arizona -), James Christopher Murray (May 15, 1979 in Tucson, Arizona - ), and Joshua William Murray (April 20, 1984 in Dallas, Texas -). Mrs. Hoover attended Winthrop Training School and graduated in 1933. She then attended Wingate Junior College, Wingate, North Carolina, for three years and transferred to Coker College, Hartsville, South Carolina, in 1936. At Wingate, she was cheerleader, president of the Literary Society, basketball player and member of the Glee Club. At Coker, she played basketball and hockey, was on the Christian Council, was in the Glee Club and the Drama Club, and served as secretary to the president until she graduated in 1938 with an A.B. in history. After graduating Hoover accepted a position as a teacher and basketball coach in the public schools for three years. In 1941 she moved to Wingate, North Carolina to teach history and coach basketball at Wingate Junior College until 1945. The Hoovers then moved to Boone, where Dr. Hoover had received an appointment. In 1947 she took a position as secretary in the administration, and later as secretary for the Registrar's Office, at Appalachian State Teachers College (now Appalachian State University). While working Hoover attended Appalachian State to work on her M.A. degree in education and history. She graduated in 1955 and became a faculty member in the history department with the rank of instructor. She was promoted to assistant professor in 1961 and to associate professor in 1975. While at Appalachian Hoover served as departmental advisor in history and as an advisor in the General College. She also worked on the personnel committee in the history department. Hoover has been a member of Pi Gamma Mu and the American Association of University Women. Hoover retired from the University in 1977 and was granted emeritus status by the Board of Trustees in 1978. She is a member of the First Baptist Church of Boone, and has taught Sunday school in the junior and college departments. In retirement, Hoover is enjoying fishing, playing bridge, learning to play tennis, and working with her flower garden. Sources: Appalachian State University files and personal correspondence. - Dr. Richard D. Howe
Comments