The Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) established the Professors of the Year program in 1981 and works with the Carnegie Foundation in its administration. It is the only national awards program that recognizes college professors for their teaching. More than 25 higher education associations support the program.

In 1995, the program was expanded so that national professors of the year were recognized in four categories according to the classifications of the Carnegie Foundation: Outstanding Community College Professor, Outstanding Baccalaureate College Professor, Outstanding Master's Universities and Colleges Professor and Outstanding Research and Doctoral University Professor. Winners in each state and the District of Columbia are also named, provided there are sufficient entries.

In making the award, judges consider the nominees' extraordinary dedication to undergraduate teaching. In particular, they review the nominees' impact on and involvement with undergraduate students; scholarly approach to teaching; service to undergraduate students, institution, community and profession; and support from colleagues and current and former undergraduate students.

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a policy center located in Princeton, N.J., is devoted to strengthening America's schools and colleges.

The Council for the Advancement and Support of Education is an international association of colleges, universities, and independent elementary and secondary schools. Representing these institutions are professionals in the fields of alumni relations, communications and fund raising.