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News & Updates

Carolyn R. Gimian

Executive Director, Chogyam Trungpa Institute at Naropa University

Chogyam Trungpa Institute

EDUCATION:

BA, Philosophy, Antioch University; PhD, Early Childhood Education, Union Graduate School

Carolyn Rose Gimian is the Executive Director of the Chogyam Trungpa Institute (chogyamtrungpa.com) at Naropa University. Carolyn was the founding director of the Shambhala Archives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, a major repository of Trungpa Rinpoche’s archival legacy. She is a past president of the Council of Nova Scotia Archives. The editor of many books by Chogyam Trungpa, she edited Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior in close cooperation with the author. Other volumes of his work she has edited posthumously include the ten-volume Collected Works of Chogyam Trungpa, Mindfulness in Action, and The Future Is Open: Good Karma, Bad Karma, Beyond Karma. Carolyn’s articles and essays are published in Lion’s Roar, Buddhadharma, The Best of Buddhist Writing, and other magazines and anthologies. Carolyn is also a teacher of meditation, mindfulness, and Buddhism. She is inspired by Naropa’s students, faculty, and staff, as well as by the contemplative approach to education, and the JEDI values instilled at Naropa. The current focus of her work is both preserving the legacy and teachings of Chogyam Trungpa and also connecting with, supporting, and learning from young leaders and teachers inspired by his work. Carolyn holds a BA in Philosophy from Antioch University and a PhD in Early Childhood Education from the Union Graduate School.

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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.  

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

 

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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.