"In mission, values, student-centeredness, faculty commitment, staff involvement and trustee dedication, Naropa University closely matches my passions and aspirations as an academic and administrator. I look forward to reaffirming and extending the university’s founding vision of offering a transformational contemplative liberal arts education and professional preparation for graduate learners that imbues our students with the values of justice, fairness, social action, and community service locally, nationally, and globally."

See video of Stuart Lord's remarks

"One of the qualities of Naropa culture is what I've come to call 'an ever-present invitation to ever-greater openness.' What this means is that we are always on the lookout for opportunities to grow beyond our existing understanding of ourselves and of others. I know that Dr. Lord will already have had hints of this quality and that he will come to cherish it, as I have. This is the quality that will enable the institution to grow under his leadership, just as his own manifest skills and personal qualities will expand as he responds to the opportunities with which Naropa will present him. He and we are exceedingly fortunate to be keeping one another company in the years ahead."

See video of Tom Coburn's remarks

"Naropa University is at another significant crossroads. Under the able leadership of President Tom Coburn we have become firmly established as a mature member of America’s higher education community and leader in the rapidly emerging sphere of contemplative education. We believe Dr. Stuart Lord is the president for the next era in our maturation. At this moment we are both poised and needing to reach out beyond our campus—locally, nationally and internationally—to offer Naropa’s vision and talents in response to challenges all around us and also to invite the participation of friends and prospective friends to support our sustainable contribution. By virtue of Dr. Lord’s personal, academic and institutional strengths and character, his demonstrated leadership in innovative and engaged service within and beyond the institutions he has served, and his deep connection with both Christian and Buddhist spiritual traditions, he is the man for the job and for our future."

"After an expansive and rigorous international ten month search Naropa University is delighted to appoint Dr. Stuart Lord as our fifth president. He is matched in temperament, ability, experience and communion with Naropa’s core values and mission. The Search Committee and Board of Trustees believe he brings the blend of leadership, academic, managerial and spiritual characteristics we require to lead us into the next stage of our journey and contribution to higher education and society."

See video of Martin Janowitz's remarks

“The appointment of Dr. Stuart Lord comes at a nexus of challenges and opportunities as Naropa University like all colleges and universities grapple with higher education financing, student enrollments, accreditation standards, demographics, growth vs. downsizing and many other current issues. We look forward to Dr. Stuart Lord’s inspiring and motivating leadership to steer the university through these challenges, realize opportunities, and have Naropa University take a seat at the traditional higher education roundtables.

It significant that Dr. Stuart Lord is the first appointed African American president of Naropa University. His appointment represents both the fine and qualified leadership he brings to Naropa University and represents a commitment to the mission of Naropa University that “values ethnic and cultural differences for their essential role in education. And … embraces the richness of human diversity with the aim of fostering a more just and equitable society and an expanded awareness of our own humanity.” 

As we live our values and implement a strategic plan that calls for greater diversity of our faculty, staff and students and increased diversity in the curriculum, Dr. Stuart Lord’s experience and expertise will be an asset to achieve those goals.”

See video of Suzanne Benally's remarks

David Kerr, Student Representative, Search Committee

"I am thrilled that Dr. Stuart Lord has been chosen as Naropa’s new president.... During Dr. Lord’s visit, student feedback was collected, and there was a strong majority of students who felt he would be an excellent choice for our new president. Primary reasons for this support include:

• His passion and enthusiasm for the university and his ability to articulate the power of contemplative and transformative education;
• His belief that a Naropa education can nurture students to become positive change agents in our society and [his emphasis on] service learning as an important part of a student’s educational journey;
• His charismatic and visionary leadership. We felt he had a strong grasp of the potential of a Naropa education to become a beacon of light for students seeking to promote change in the world;
• His strong fundraising skills and experience. We feel this is very important to the current and future health of the university. In relation to students, this could lead to more scholarships, improved facilities and additional academic programs.

Dr. Lord has shown himself to have a strong understanding of the needs of diverse populations. As students, we feel that Dr. Lord can help Naropa University become accessible and more attractive to a wider audience, locally and nationally." 

Andrew Schelling, Faculty Trustee and Faculty Representative on the Search Committee

"This is a shimmering moment for us.... What excited the faculty about Dr. Lord was his astonishingly embodied commitment to contemplative practice and a deep respect for what Naropa has stood for all along.... Not only is he an articulate spokesperson out of the belly of Naropa, but he is a good listener.... That aside from his proven track record in fundraising and his commitment to values of diversity and service brought all of the faculty to a point of real excitement about welcoming Dr. Lord."

See video of Andrew Schelling's remarks