معرفی
Christopher A. Cooper is the Robert Lee Madison Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Public Affairs at Western Carolina University, where he also serves as Director of the Haire Institute for Public Policy. He has held leadership roles, including Department Head (2011–2021) and MPA Director (2005–2010). His research focuses on American politics, with emphases on elections, state/local governance, southern politics, and North Carolina-specific studies. He has authored/co-authored books such as *The Resilience of Southern Identity* and *Anatomy of a Purple State*, and his work appears in journals like *American Politics Research* and *Political Research Quarterly*.
Cooper holds a Ph.D. and M.A. from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a B.A. from Winthrop University. His teaching covers American politics, election administration, and research methods. He has received Western Carolina University’s highest research (University Scholar, 2011) and teaching (Board of Governors Teaching Award, 2013) awards, and was named 2013 North Carolina Professor of the Year.
Cooper is a frequent media commentator on North Carolina and national politics, quoted widely in outlets like the *New York Times*, *Washington Post*, and *NPR*. He serves on committees such as the Commission on the Future of Elections in North Carolina and is President of the NC Political Science Association. His work bridges academia and public policy, emphasizing civic engagement and election integrity.
- Key Roles: Director, Haire Institute for Public Policy; Editor, *Journal of Election Administration Research and Practice*.
- Public Engagement: Expert witness in voting rights cases; contributor to the 2024 NC Civic Index.
- Media Presence: Over 100 media appearances annually; author of op-eds in major outlets.
His research on southern identity, election administration, and partisan dynamics has shaped scholarly and public discourse. Current projects include analyzing North Carolina’s “purple state” status and the evolving southern electorate.
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