Colorado State University, Entomology, 2007, MS

Colorado State University, Sociology, 2001, BA

Colorado State University, Psychology, 2001, BS

Colorado State University, Criminal Justice, 2001, Minor associated with BA in Sociology

Matt Camper is a Master Instructor in the department of Agricultural Biology at Colorado State University who views teaching as a practice that extends far beyond the classroom. Whether mentoring students, advising organizations, leading outreach initiatives, developing curricula, or fostering community partnerships, he approaches every aspect of his work through the lens of teaching and learning. His goal is to create experiences that inspire curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and empower learners to apply knowledge in meaningful ways throughout their lives.

Matt earned his M.S. in Entomology from Colorado State University in 2007, following completion of both a B.S. in Psychology and a B.A. in Sociology from CSU in 2001. His interdisciplinary educational background informs his teaching philosophy and allows him to connect biological sciences with human behavior, culture, communication, and society.

As a member of the Department of Agricultural Biology, Matt teaches courses that explore the relationships among insects, plants, agriculture, and human civilization. His classes emphasize active learning, critical thinking, curiosity, and student engagement. Working primarily with large-enrollment courses, he strives to create learning environments where students can discover personal connections to science and develop the confidence to apply their knowledge beyond the university setting.

Matt's commitment to teaching excellence has been recognized at the university, national, and system levels. He is the recipient of the 2026 Colorado State University System and Board of Governors Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award, the 2025 Association of Public and Land-grant Universities Outstanding Service Award for Leadership and Education in Agriculture, the 2024 NACTA Undergraduate Teaching Award, the 2024 Charles N. Shepardson Meritorious Teaching Award, and the 2017 CSU Best Teacher Award. These honors reflect his sustained dedication to innovative, student-centered teaching and undergraduate student success.

Beyond the classroom, Matt is committed to creating meaningful experiential learning opportunities for students. He serves as co-sponsor of the CSU Entomology Club, the university's longest continuously running student organization, where he mentors student leaders and supports professional development, outreach, and community engagement activities. He also supervises the CSU Bug Zoo, creating opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in animal husbandry, science communication, public outreach, and informal science education while helping the program connect with tens of thousands of visitors each year.

Matt has also played a leadership role in academic program development and student success initiatives across Colorado State University. He helped launch the Agricultural Biology major, served as Assistant Dean of Teaching Practice and Academic Programs in the College of Agricultural Sciences from 2018 to 2025, and has devoted significant efforts to mentoring undergraduate researchers, honors students, graduate teaching assistants, and future educators.
Throughout his career, Matt has remained guided by a simple principle: education has the power to transform lives. Whether working with first-year students, aspiring scientists, fellow educators, or community members, he views teaching as a lifelong practice that fosters curiosity, builds confidence, creates connections, and inspires people to become engaged learners and leaders in their communities.