Close-up of natural wood grain rings forming a textured, concentric pattern.
Close-up of natural wood grain rings forming a textured, concentric pattern.
JoAnne S Morris headshot

News & Updates

JoAnne S Morris, DMin

Director, Center for Contemplative Chaplaincy

Center for Contemplative Chaplaincy, Wisdom Traditions Department

EDUCATION:

BA Psychology and Christian Counseling; Master of Divinity – Pastoral Care and Counseling, Doctorate of Ministry – Pastoral Care and Marriage and Family Therapy

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS:

COURSES TAUGHT:

Clinical Pastoral Education

JoAnne is an ACPE-Certified Educator with more than twenty-five years of experience as a staff chaplain in a medical context (oncology and palliative care specialization). She has a private Marriage and Family Therapy practice that began as a way to care well for those facing chronic illness, chronic terminal illness, death and bereavement. The focus quickly expanded in a specialized support of the LGBTQIA community. JoAnne spends all the time she can in places where you can smell the color green and hear the sound of water nearby. She comes from a Christian faith-of-origin yet now firmly locates herself as a Humanist with a spiritual naturalist expression. She and her wife live in Louisville, KY, with their pile of wild things (5 kids, 4 dogs, and a grandchild on the way).

PUBLICATIONS:

  • Morris, J.S., & Schapmire, T.J., (2009). Healing Choices: Redefining hope. In Lawson, T. (Eds.). College of Health and Social Work, University of Debrecen, Hungary

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.