The new role has been created to help the university achieve its goals for the next seven years, as outlined in its strategic plan to 2030.
Known as Pae Tata, the plan follows on from Vision 2040, the document outlining the university’s strategic direction and aspirations for the future.
"This is my dream role because it’s about teaching, it’s strategic, it’s about improving the experience of staff and therefore the learning experience of students."
The university had some "big challenges and big opportunities" ahead, Prof Cooper said.
"We will be having a big conversation as a university about our new teaching and learning plan.
"We need a new one that includes a new graduate profile in an age of generative AI and, as we head towards Vision 2040, framing our learning and teaching much, much more in te ao Māori and Pacific ways of learning.
"I am super excited," he said.
Acting deputy academic vice-chancellor Prof Phil Bremer said Prof Cooper’s appointment came at an important time for the university.
"This role will help to ensure that support for quality learning and excellent teaching is right at the heart of all we do."
Previously, Prof Cooper has been a professor of church history in the theology department and is the first head of the newly formed Te Pae Takata School of Arts.
He has not been replaced in the theology programme and will continue to keep his hand in teaching there.
