SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- A Willamette University professor has been named Oregon's professor of the year.

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education are announcing the winners from 44 states, the District of Columbia and Guam on Thursday.

Richard Ellis has taught politics at Willamette since 1990, and he has written and edited 13 books.

Many of his colleagues and students consider Ellis one of Willamette University's toughest and most engaging professors.

His approach to teaching focuses on encouraging students to speak more and giving them the opportunity and incentive to do so. For students in his freshman class, participation is half of the grade.