Dr. Khenpo Ngawang Jorden's professional credentials as a scholar and teacher derive equally from both Asian and American academic institutions, at the highest possible level of academic attainment within each system.  In addition to a Ph.D from Harvard's Department of Sanskrit and Indian Studies, an M.T.S. from  Harvard Divinity School, a Kachupa (“Holder of the Ten Scriptures”) degree and Loppon degree (Acharya or “Master of Arts”) from Sakya College, Dr. Jorden holds the title Khenpo, (Abbot) for his skill and experience as a professor of Buddhist Philosophy and his personal qualities as a mentor for IBA's brightest scholars. 

His early life as a refugee in Sikkim, where his family had fled in 1959, from his birthplace in Tsang Gampa-Dzong, (southeastern Tibet) led to an opportunity to enter Ngor monastery, where he was fully trained as a chant master as well as in all the other arts of rite and ritual, including sand mandala construction. Upon completing this program, he was accepted into the newly-established Sakya College, to study the Five Sciences, under the tutelage and guidance of Khenpo Appey Rinpoche. He was soon recognized as an exceptionally gifted philosophy student and eventually became assistant lecturer and assistant principal at the College. In order to learn English, he embarked on studies in America, culminating in his teaching at Harvard, the University of Chicago, and other centres of learning throughout the world.  He has been the anchor for IBA's Buddhist Philosophy program every year since 2001, during his summertime leave from teaching duties in America.

Dr. Khenpo Jorden left his post at the University of Chicago in 2009, to take on the challenging top job as permanent Director of the International Buddhist Academy, upon being requested to do so by His Holiness, the Sakya Throneholder and by the founder of IBA, Dr. Jorden's revered teacher and great scholar, the Most Venerable Khenchen Appey Rinpoche.

Dr. Jorden's leadership style is that of a team-builder, creating a supportive atmosphere for dynamic co-operation, and encouraging and inspiring both his staff and his students by entrusting them with challenging tasks from which they can learn and grow, attracting new scholars and volunteer staff who, because of his presence here, are motivated to become part of IBA's enriching world.  His ease with Western culture and  English fluency, combined with his understanding of Asian languages and philosophies, makes him a living bridge between America and Asia, a bridge over which his dedicated students, both Western and Asian, can confidently cross, from either direction, in their quest for knowledge, skills and deeper understanding.

I think the uniqueness of the opportunities offered here at the International Buddhist Academy can be described as having a fourfold aspect.
 
First, according to the wishes of the founder of the Academy, the most Venerable Khenchen Appey Rinpoche, the IBA places its emphasis on the transmission of the authentic Buddhist teachings, through the study of Buddhist texts from the Indian Buddhist Philosophical tradition.

Secondly, the atmosphere here in the International Buddhist Academy is very much a family setting. Living here together and sharing classes, relaxing in the dining room, discussing studies in the courtyard, and visiting holy places together allows students to relate in a meaningful way.

A third, important uniqueness of the IBA is the thorough manner in which classic Mahayana texts are taught: line by line and word for word. We rely upon English and Tibetan translations of the Sanskrit original texts and on the insightful commentaries composed by outstanding Tibetan scholars who have transmitted their understanding of these texts and their basis in the Sutras.

A fourth aspect of the IBA which is uniquely helpful to students is that our specific course offerings are developed years in advance. Because we know that time is very important for students we make detailed course information available on the IBA website so that those planning to attend can make their arrangements well in advance and can save up necessary holiday time. This allows students either to target the specific courses they wish to attend, or to make plans to attend a full cycle of teachings for several years in a row.

- Khenpo Dr. Ngawang Jorden