Lee Cooper is widely admired by Newman University faculty, staff and students for his unique combination of collegiality, scholarship, compassion, integrity, leadership, and humor. He has made many contributions to the academic vitality of Newman, and has been a guiding force in a number of key developments that will affect the quality, strength and character of the institution for many years to come.
Since coming to Newman in 2002 as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Lee has been a strong advocate of academic excellence among students and faculty. He initiated Core Curriculum revisions to better reflect the institutional mission and implemented improvements to student learning assessment and curriculum development. |
2008 Newman Medal Recipients, B. Lee Cooper, Ph.D., and Colleen and Tom Dondlinger. Also pictured are Newman Board of Trustees Chair J.V. Johnston, left, and Newman President Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D.
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To stimulate faculty performance, he supervised revision of the Faculty Handbook, created a Faculty Orientation and Procedures Guide, provided additional funding for professional development, and empowered faculty to experiment with new learning technologies.
From 2006 to 2007, Lee also served as President Pro-Tem. During that time he directed efforts that led to the reaffirmation of regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Lee also played a major role in guiding the Newman University community through the search for and appointment of its 11th President, Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D. Finally, he championed the successful completion of the capital campaign for and construction of the Dugan Library and Campus Center.
Lee is also a Professor of History and American Culture and is considered a model of scholarship and pedagogy who has enriched the academic lives of countless Newman students. He is a noted scholar of American popular music, with more than 200 published articles and reviews as well as 15 books on the use of popular music as an aid in teaching history. His work has won many academic recognitions, including the prestigious ASCAP-Deems Taylor Award for Scholarly Excellence in Music. In recent years he has been included in Who’s Who in American Education; Who’s Who in America; Who’s Who in the World; International Who’s Who in Music, and Contemporary Authors.
Lee will resign from Newman on March 28, 2008, and resettle with his wife, Jill, near Asheville, S.C.
To read the news release written about 2008 Cardinal Newman Banquet honoring Dr. Cooper amoung other award reciepients, click here. |