As a student, Dr. Hook was president of the senior class, curator of the college museum, manager of sports teams and a founder of PhiPsiCli, the yearbook. He constructed a crystal radio receiver with students in 1920 and operated the first college wireless station in North Carolina. He also installed the first movie projector in Whitley Auditorium in 1937.
As dean, Hook managed the college under emergency conditions following the fire of 1923 and supervised construction of Duke building. He obtained a pilot license in 1939 and led Elon's Civilian Pilot Training Program throughout World War II.
Hook founded and served as president and commissioner of the North State Conference for athletics, and was elected the first member of Elon's Sports Hall of Fame. He was also elected to the NAIA Hall of Fame. Hook attended every Elon football game from 1909 through 1982.
Hook graduated from Elon College in 1913 and joined the faculty in 1914, teaching a variety of science and mathematics courses. He served as Dean of the College from 1922 to 1935 and again from 1956 to 1957. He was registrar from 1935 to 1955.Hook attended every Elon commencement from 1910 to 1982, and died on commencement day in 1983.
Three academic and sports related awards are given in his name every year the A.L. Hook Scholarship for science students, and the A.L. Hook Professorship, which is awarded to chemistry, math or physics faculty to support their scholarship and work with students. Also awarded is the A.L. Hook Scholar-Athlete Award to junior or senior athletes (male and female) who have the highest grade point averages.
