Naropa University Inaugurates Dr. Paul Burkhardt as New President
BOULDER, COLORADO—October 22, 2025—Naropa University has officially inaugurated Dr. Paul Burkhardt as its new president, marking the start of a new era for the pioneering institution of contemplative higher education. The Presidential Inauguration event, held on Saturday, October 18, welcomed Dr. Burkhardt as the university’s eighth president.
With more than 25 years of experience in higher education leadership, Dr. Burkhardt joins Naropa after most recently serving as provost at the University of Olivet in Michigan. For many years prior to that, he was the executive vice president and provost at Prescott College in Arizona, an institution that is mission-aligned with Naropa in creating educational environments that engage both the mind and the heart.
Dr. Burkhardt, who began work in this new role on August 1, 2025, believes that Naropa’s unique approach is more vital than ever. “This is a moment of real possibility for Naropa University,” he said. “What happens here is different from anywhere else in higher education. We educate the whole person in a way that prepares students to meet the world with clarity, compassion, and creativity. I am honored to help carry that mission forward.”
As president, Dr. Burkhardt’s priorities include providing future-focused and student-centered leadership, creating a vision for the university’s future, and empowering an effective leadership team. He will also collaborate with development staff on a strategic plan for fundraising and work with faculty to support an evolving academic plan.
Naropa University’s Board of Trustees expressed full confidence in Dr. Burkhardt’s ability to guide the university. “Paul understands Naropa’s history and sees the incredible opportunities that lie ahead for our students, faculty, and community,” the board said in a statement. “His vision for education is grounded, compassionate, and forward-looking. We are thrilled to welcome him into this role.”
As changes to federal financial aid threaten to limit access to higher education, Naropa University is taking proactive steps to support its students. President Paul Burkhardt today announced the creation of the Resilient Futures Scholarship, a new fund designed to help graduate students continue pursuing their degrees in contemplative education despite the upcoming loss of federal Graduate PLUS Loans in 2026.
“We’re living through a time of profound change nationally, globally, and here at Naropa. As federal aid shifts, too many students risk losing the financial support that makes their education possible,” said Burkhardt. “The Resilient Futures Scholarship is our commitment to them. It ensures Naropa will remain a place where purpose and compassion guide learning, no matter the financial barriers ahead. Together, we can empower the next generation of mindful, resilient leaders.”
Founded in 1974 by Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Naropa is recognized as the birthplace of the modern mindfulness movement blending Eastern wisdom traditions with Western scholarship. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, with students engaging in a rigorous curriculum that integrates mindfulness and meditation practices into their academic studies, preparing them for careers in fields like mental health, environmental leadership, and the arts.
Dr. Burkhardt’s vision places Naropa at the intersection of wisdom and action, preparing students not only for careers but also for lives of purpose.
“As Naropa steps into its second half-century, we will show the world that contemplative education is not only relevant but essential,” he stated. “Our graduates will be leaders who meet today’s challenges with both courage and compassion, and that gives me great hope for the future.”
Full video of the inauguration ceremony can be found on the Naropa Inauguration website. Professional photography of the event is also available for media use by request. To learn more about Naropa University, visit https://www.naropa.edu/.
About Naropa University
Naropa University, nestled in Boulder, Colorado, was established in 1974 by Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Drawing its name and inspiration from the teachings of the 11th-century Indian Buddhist sage Naropa, this private university stands out distinctly among America’s higher education landscape in its effort to integrate eastern wisdom with traditional western scholarship. Recognized as the pioneering force behind contemplative higher education and the start of the modern mindfulness movement, Naropa University is the sole institution to integrate a university-wide contemplative pedagogical approach. At Naropa, education transcends the ordinary; the institution embraces the entirety of its students—mind, body and spirit—augmenting traditional methodologies with practices like meditation. Since receiving its accreditation in 1986, Naropa University consistently upholds the exacting standards for quality and accountability set by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Learn more at naropa.edu.
