Chris Cooper, associate professor and head of the Department of Political Science and Public Affairs at Western Carolina University, has been named the 2013 “Professor of the Year” in the state of North Carolina by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

“This award simply confirms what his students and colleagues already know — Chris Cooper is a gifted teacher who fires his students’ imaginations and love of learning through his infectious passion for political science and his sincere dedication to their success,” said Richard Starnes, dean of WCU’s College of Arts and Sciences. 

Cooper is among faculty members from 36 states who were selected from more than 350 top professors nationally for this year’s awards.

Cooper earlier this year was named one of the best teachers in the UNC system by the UNC Board of Governors, was the 2011 winner of WCU’s Distinguished Scholar Award and a 2007 winner of WCU’s Chancellor’s Award for Engaged Teaching.