The Urbana Board of Education approved the appointment of Mr. Derrick Cooper as the next principal of Urbana Middle School. 

Mr. Cooper is currently the Associate Principal at Champaign Central High School and has served in this role since 2020. He began his teaching career in August 2009 as an elementary teacher at Washington Elementary. He later taught at Jefferson Middle school, served as the interim Dean of Students at Centennial High School, the Assistant Principal at Westview Elementary and the Assistant Principal at Central High School. 

 Mr. Cooper was chosen as a recipient of Central Illinois Business magazine’s annual Forty under 40 Award in 2021. He was selected based on his professional achievements, leadership ability and community involvement. In addition, Mr. Cooper was chosen by the University of Illinois College of Education as the 2021 Al S. Davis Leadership Award recipient and the 2021 Dodd’s Memorial Award recipient. These awards are based on academic merit, professional experience, public service, and commitment to the field of education. 

Mr. Cooper received his Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education from Western Michigan University and a Master of Education degree in Educational Administration and Leadership from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Mr. Cooper is currently completing a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Administration and Leadership at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

He will officially begin his role July 1.