Naropa University, the Buddhist-inspired university in Boulder, Colorado has launched a search for a new president. The successful candidate will succeed Charles (Chuck) Lief, the long-time president who is retiring.

The search committee says that it is seeking a dedicated and experienced academic leader who embodies Naropa’s core values, including creativity, compassion, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

“The next President will chart a visionary course for our institution, leading with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to our core values,” the committee notes in the position profile. 

Naropa University was founded in 1974 as a pioneer in contemplative education, blending Eastern wisdom traditions, in particular Buddhism, with Western academic scholarship. Its mission is to offer its students a transformative educational experience rooted in mindfulness and social engagement. 

Lief has served as Naropa’s president for the past 12 years and is the longest-serving leader in the university’s history. In an interview with Lion’s Roar, he emphasized the importance of visionary leadership for the university’s next chapter.

“Applicants should be ready to take the vision of 1974 and bring it forward into the next fifty years,” Lief said. “In the United States, approximately 500 colleges have closed in the last decade, primarily due to lack of funding. Thriving institutions must adopt creative problem-solving and innovative strategies to navigate these challenges.” 

“We need to respond to the fact that we’re in a world that needs healing,” he said. “Naropa can serve as a gateway for training individuals through a contemplative lens, preparing them for a variety of professions.”

The current Naropa student population consists of two-thirds graduate-level learners, with an average age of 34. 

As stated in the position overview, Naropa’s ideal candidate demonstrates financial expertise, leadership in diversity and organizational development, and exceptional strategic vision and communication skills among other qualities. Candidates are asked to submit their applications by February 21, 2025. More information on the position and application process can be found here.