Kevin Shepard headshot with dog

Kevin Shepard

Instructional Designer

Office of Online Teaching & Learning Technology

EDUCATION:

BA in Psychology and Anthropology from University of Colorado; MA in Education from University of Southern California

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS:

BA Art Therapy, BA Interdisciplinary Studies, BA Psychology

COURSES TAUGHT:

COL-102e, Financial Literacy

Over a decade ago, I embarked on a transformative journey, trading the East Coast for the captivating landscapes of Colorado. This voyage led me to earn a degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder, as a testament to my commitment to growth and learning. Drawn by Colorado’s outdoor wonders, I embraced life across diverse locales – from the Western Slope near Grand Junction to the dynamic cities of Boulder and the Denver Metro Area.

My heart resonates with Colorado’s myriad offerings, from adrenaline-inducing skiing and rafting escapades to the cultural tapestry of music festivals. Having previously sculpted young minds in middle and high schools across the state, my trajectory evolved in May 2022. Today, I am honored to contribute to Naropa University as a vital member of the Office of Online Teaching and Learning Technology as Naropa’s first internal instructional designer. Concurrently, I serve as an adjunct faculty member specializing in the realm of financial literacy.

Earning a master’s degree in Education from the University of Southern California has fortified my pedagogical foundation, enhancing my ability to foster effective learning experiences. As a instructional designer at Naropa, I have the privilege of fusing technological innovation with my passion for empowering others to achieve financial equilibrium. I currently work as an Instructional designer at Naropa in addition to my teaching duties.

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.

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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. 

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. 

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Naropa Campuses Closed on Friday, March 15, 2024

Due to adverse weather conditions, all Naropa campuses will be closed Friday, March 15, 2024.  All classes that require a physical presence on campus will be canceled. All online and low-residency programs are to meet as scheduled.

Based on the current weather forecast, the Healing with the Ancestors Talk & Breeze of Simplicity program scheduled for Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday will be held as planned.

Staff that do not work remotely or are scheduled to work on campus, can work remotely. Staff that routinely work remotely are expected to continue to do so.

As a reminder, notifications will be sent by e-mail and the LiveSafe app.  

Regardless of Naropa University’s decision, if you ever believe the weather conditions are unsafe, please contact your supervisor and professors.  Naropa University trusts you to make thoughtful and wise decisions based on the conditions and situation in which you find yourself in.