Randall Harper

Dr. Randall Lee Harper, Jr. was born September 28, 1961, in Allen County, Kentucky to Randall Lee and Betty Rippy Harper. He graduated from WKU in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry before earning his Ph.D. from North Carolina State University.

Randall continued his legacy on the Hill as an assistant professor of Physics. Not only was he a leader in education, but he was also an active member of the community: a member of Christ United Methodist Church, the American Physical Society, Sigma Pi Sigma, and Sigma Xi Research Society. He was married to Mrs. Carolyn Pile Harper (now Carolyn Jane Gifford) and was father to their two daughters, Lindsay and Emily. After a battle with leukemia, Randall passed away on February 24, 1991, at the age of 29.

Following his passing, The Society of Physics Students, as well as Dr. D. L. Humphrey, worked together to establish the Dr. Randall Harper Memorial Scholarship Fund. Through this fund, Dr. Harper’s legacy continues as Physics majors in The Society of Physics Students are encouraged and provided support.