The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded annually to a person who works for peace and promotes relations between nations. President Obama became the third sitting U.S. president to win the honor. Today, a University of Great Falls professor and some students weighed-in on the issue.

In a surprise announcement, President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. He joins Teddy Roosevelt, and Woodrow Wilson as sitting presidents to win the award.

Dr. Vernon Pedersen, Associate Professor of History at UGF says this news is only positive.

"This is strikingly early in his career, but on the other hand, it shows how much better the world views us. Frankly, showing some solidarity and taking pride would be appropriate.”

Previous winners of the award include Martin Luther King Jr., Henry Kissinger, and Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Critics say the president has not accomplished much in his less than 9 months in office. UGF students offered a mixed reaction.

"I am not a fan of this president,” said Freshman Riley Frazier. “He doesn't deserve it because he hasn't done anything for our country yet."

"I think it's a good stepping stone to the future," said Freshman Justin Coffin.

"Other nations are observing how we handle things, and how we elected a black president," said Senior Alden Johnson.

"I was impressed,” said Sophomore Alma Castillo. “I'm a republican…but it gives our country a good name.”

"I think it might be good for our country, but he hasn’t been president very long,” said Freshman Shelby Tritthart.”

The president says he'll donate the $1.4 million prize to charity. Dr. Pedersen says this could be a sign of America restoring its place in the world.

"I believe he won this award because of how the atmosphere is changing in how America is viewed abroad.”

One of the nominees that the president beat-out for this award was a Montana man. Greg Mortenson of Bozeman helped build more than 130 schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan.