Close-up of natural wood grain rings forming a textured, concentric pattern.
Close-up of natural wood grain rings forming a textured, concentric pattern.
Anna Shaw head shot

News & Updates

EDUCATION:

MA, American Studies, Baylor University; Master’s degree, English Language and Literature/Letters, Université de Bretagne Occidentale; Bachelor’s degree, English Language and Literature/Letters, Université de Bretagne Occidentale

Originally from France and a graduate of the University of Western Brittany (Université de Bretagne Occidentale), Anna Shaw earned her MA in American Studies from Baylor University. With over 18 years of experience in higher education, she has dedicated her career to fostering inclusive learning environments. As the Associate Director of the Office of Access and Learning Accommodation at Baylor, Anna collaborated with students and faculty to implement academic accommodations and ensure equitable access to educational programs. She also provided mentoring and support to students with disabilities, leveraging her expertise in disability services to empower student success. Additionally, Anna taught French as a lecturer, working with students with cognitive and learning disorders, and developed innovative approaches to language instruction tailored to their unique needs.

Now serving as the Director of Accessibility Resources at Naropa University, Anna brings a deep commitment to creating spaces where students feel empowered to thrive academically and personally. With her international background and passion for fostering cross-cultural understanding, Anna uses mindfulness to encourage a heightened awareness and appreciation of diverse perspectives. This approach helps her build authentic connections with people from all walks of life and enhances her work in promoting accessibility and inclusion. Anna is inspired by cultural exchange and is dedicated to creating a more compassionate and equitable society, both professionally and personally.

PUBLICATIONS:

PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

39th Annual Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and Diversity, February 27 & February 28, 2024, in Honolulu, Hawaii: Accessibility Abroad: Inclusive Study Abroad for All

37th Annual Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and Diversity, February 28 & March 1, 2022, in Honolulu, Hawaii: Faculty Survey on Students with Disabilities: A Comparative Study

35th Annual Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and Diversity, March 1 & 2, 2020, in Honolulu, Hawaii: Disability as Diversity on a Private College Campus: Changing the Culture

34th Annual Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and Diversity, March 4 & 5, 2019, in Honolulu, Hawaii: A Diverse Classroom: Teaching Foreign Language to Students with Cognitive and Learning Disorders

YOU ARE READY.

This is where experiential learning meets academic rigor. Where you challenge your intellect and uncover your potential. Where you discover the work you’re moved to do—then use it to transform our world.

“*” indicates required fields

Search Naropa University

Search

About Naropa

Located in Boulder, Colorado, Naropa University is a Buddhist-inspired, nonsectarian liberal arts university that is recognized as the birthplace of the mindfulness movement. Naropa offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that emphasize professional and personal growth, intellectual development, and cultivating compassion. 

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.  

Admissions & Aid

If you’re seeking an education that resonates with both personal fulfillment and global impact, Naropa could be your top choice. At Naropa, you will experience a comprehensive curriculum that integrates the best of Eastern and Western educational approaches. Explore how Naropa can fuel your journey of intellectual and spiritual development.

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. 

Support Naropa

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 Logo

Naropa University campuses are closed on 12/17/2025. 

Due to adverse weather conditions of high winds and planned power outages, all Naropa campuses will be closed today. 

 

Naropa Logo

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.