Press Releases

Current Naropa University President Coburn to Step Down in June 2009
Board of Trustees Launches Search for Replacement

BOULDER, Colo. (May 23, 2008)—Naropa University today announced that President Thomas B. Coburn will step down at the end of his current term in June 2009. Concurrently, the institution's board of trustees initiated the search for Coburn's replacement at its recently concluded May board meeting.

Coburn was hired by Naropa in 2003 for a six-year term, commencing July 1, 2003, and concluding next June. He formerly served as the vice president of the university and dean of academic affairs at St. Lawrence University (Canton, NY) for six years where he was also the Charles A. Dana Professor of Religious Studies.

After a period of sabbatical, Coburn intends to pursue scholarly and professional opportunities related to religious studies and contemplative education.

"President Coburn has ably led our university through a significant era of progress and maturation, for which we are profoundly appreciative," said Naropa University Board of Trustees Chair Martin Janowitz. "We look forward to working closely with him to advance many important university initiatives during his final year of service as president."

At the board of trustees meeting, concluded on Saturday, May 17, the board formed a preliminary search committee to identify a search consultant; recommend the composition of an inclusive, pluralistic search committee; develop a case statement; and create a timeline for the presidential search. The trustees' goal is to launch the formal search process this summer and select a final candidate by Spring 2009.

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Naropa University is a private, nonprofit, nonsectarian liberal arts institution dedicated to advancing contemplative education.  This approach to learning integrates the best of Eastern and Western educational traditions, helping students know themselves more deeply and engage constructively with others. The university comprises a four-year undergraduate college and graduate programs in the arts, education, environmental leadership, psychology and religious studies.

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Reporters seeking information about Naropa University can contact:
Patrick Johnson
Interim Director of Marketing and Communications
303-245-4643
pjohnson@naropa.edu