About Naropa › Leadership › Past Presidents

Past Presidents

Since the founding of the Naropa Institute in 1974, many individuals have contributed to its growth and development. While the designations of Naropa’s leadership positions have changed over its history, each of the individuals in these positions of leadership has offered exemplary vision and direction to shape Naropa’s path.

Photographed at the recent 50th Anniversary Gala from left to right are Charles G. Lief (2012–2025), Barbara Dilley (1985–1993), Judy L. Lief (1980–1985), Stuart C. Lord (2009–2011), and John Whitehouse Cobb (1993–2003; 2011–2012).

Naropa's Leaders

Charles G. Lief

7th President, 2012–2025

John Whitehouse Cobb

6th President, 2011–2012

Stuart C. Lord

5th President, 2009–2011

Thomas B. Coburn, President Emeritus

4th President, 2003–2009

John Whitehouse Cobb

3rd President, 1993–2003

Barbara Dilley

2nd President, 1985–1993

Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Founder

1st President, 1974–1985

Judith L. Lief

Dean, 1980–1985

Reginald Ray

Co-Director (with William McKeever), 1978–1980

William McKeever

Co-Director (with Reginald Ray), 1978–1980 Executive Director, 1977–1978

John Baker

Vice President, 1974–1975

Martin W. Janowitz

Executive Director, 1974–1975

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Academics

Contemplative education brings together the best of Western scholarship and Eastern world wisdom traditions. Therefore, your pursuit of wisdom at Naropa means learning both about academic subjects and about your own place in the world. This innovative approach places Naropa on the cutting edge of the newest and most effective methods of teaching and learning.

Life at Naropa

Through its incredibly vibrant and welcoming community, “Naropa offers a home for those who aren’t willing to conform to convention—the mystic, the healer, the prophet, the rebel, the artist, the revolutionary, the oddball—those who are incredible contributors to the evolution of society and of our planet.”—Core Associate Professor Zvi Ish-Shalom

The Naropa Difference

How is Naropa different from other universities? At Naropa, a liberal arts education balances rigorous academics with powerful interpersonal skills and self-awareness to educate the whole person. Naropa’s contemplative approach is inspired by Buddhist philosophy and the conviction that we can build a diverse, contemplative, enlightened society when we have transformed education to affirm the basic goodness of every person.

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At a time when the value of higher education is being questioned, Naropa University stands firmly rooted in its mission to create a more just and regenerative world by nurturing insight, awareness, courage, and compassion in its students. By making a gift to Naropa, you play a pivotal role in helping to create the authentic, effective & mindful leaders that the world desperately needs.

Naropa University campuses are closed on 05/06/2026.

From Naropa University: Due to adverse weather conditions, all Naropa campuses will be closed on 05/06/26. All classes that require a physical presence on campus will be canceled. Classes that are delivered online in our low-residency programs are to meet as scheduled.

Regardless of Naropa University’s decision, if you ever believe the weather conditions are unsafe, please contact your supervisor and professors.

Spring and Summer Start Dates for the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentrations

In support of students and in response to federal legislation impacting financial aid for graduate students, Naropa University will be accepting applications for MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling for spring starts through January 10.

Graduate School of Counseling concentrations listed below will be offering online and low-residency courses to start their programs in January 2026 as well as our Summer 2026 terms.

Beginning a graduate program in Spring 2026 or Summer 2026 means that you will have access to apply for Graduate Plus loans as these loans will be eliminated at the federal level starting in Fall 2026.

Contact Admissions (admissions@naropa.edu) today to learn how you can begin the next step in your graduate education journey.