Rowan University Professor Wins 'Jeopardy!', Will Defend Her Title

GLASSBORO, NJ — A Rowan University professor put her knowledge to the test and came out victorious, becoming the newest Jeopardy! champion on Monday's episode.

Melissa Klapper secured her second appearance on the long-running quiz program. She will defend her title in Tuesday's episode, which airs at 7 p.m. on ABC.

Klapper, who holds a PhD and is a professor of American and women's history at Rowan, came out on top Monday with $25,801 after Final Jeopardy. She defeated one-day champion Kelly Barry.

The educator, who has published several books, entered Double Jeopardy in second place with $5,200, just behind competitor Jake Garrett who had $6,800. Early in Double Jeopardy, Klapper fell to third place. But she forged ahead and put herself in a solid position by nailing two Daily Double questions late in the round.

Klapper's lead was nearly unbeatable going into Final Jeopardy with $24,400. Garrett went into the final round with $12,400 and Barry $8,200.

The Final Jeopardy category was "Countries of Africa," with the following clue: "At one time a province of the Roman Empire, this kingdom is known to Arabic scholars as Al-Maghrib Al-Aqsa, 'the far west.'"

All three players answered correctly — Morocco — with Garrett betting his total score to give him $24,800. But Klapper's bet of $401 secured her champion status by just $1 over Garrett.

To qualify for Jeopardy!, Klapper passed several online written tests. After her audition on Zoom, which included a mock game, the program selected Klapper as a contestant.

Klapper traveled to Los Angeles over winter break to compete on the show — Jeopardy! takes two to three months before each episode's actual air date. She'll face off against Charlotte Diffendale and Brandon Anderson at 7 p.m. Tuesday on ABC. The show can also be seen on YouTube.