Dr. Jane Howels Hooker (BSEd ’68, MEd ’69) is a pioneer in women’s sports. She spent summers playing sports at Cliff Davis Park and competed in the YWCA’s Y-Teen basketball program because women were not allowed to compete on official teams at the time. Her love of sports made her a champion in everything from swimming to basketball to table tennis.
Enrolling part-time at then Memphis State in 1961, she majored in Health, Physical Education and Recreation. With four children at home, she attended classes during the day while managing her household in the afternoon. She earned a Bachelor of Science in 1968 and a master’s in 1969.
While at the UofM, Hooker played basketball under her mentor and close family friend, the legendary Elma Roane. She also served as Head Coach for Women’s Volleyball from 1970-1972. She completed her PhD at the University of Mississippi in 1988 while teaching future educators at Memphis State, emphasizing the importance of movement for children through sports and games.
Hooker was passionate about expanding women’s college sports. In 1969, she, Roane, and others founded the Tennessee Women’s Sports Foundation to provide varsity sports for women. She also held numerous leadership roles in state and national athletic organizations.
Her dedication to youth sports led her to leadership roles in AAU Junior Olympics and Special Olympics. She authored four textbooks and contributed 50 biographies to A Bicentennial Tribute to Tennessee Women 1979-1995. She received numerous awards and served in UofM administrative roles until retiring in 1998.
Post-retirement, she compiled a history of Messick High School and co-wrote a history of Cordova. For 17 years, she and her late husband aided families in Laguna San Ignacio, Mexico. Hooker is an active member of Bethany Christian Church, a life-time member of the UofM Alumni Association, an avid historian and a proud great-grandmother.
Dr. Jane Howles Hooker is the 2025 UofM Illustrious Service Award Winner.
The University of Memphis Distinguished Alumni Awards honor esteemed graduates and friends in the categories of Distinguished Alum, Distinguished Young Alum, Cornerstone Award and the UofM Illustrious Service Award. This event is hosted by the UofM Alumni Association and the National Alumni Association Executive Board of Directors. Learn more at alumni.memphis.edu/daa.
