Scholarships

The Junie Norfleet Scholarship honors the legacy of Emmylou “Junie” Monroe Norfleet, one of the founders of Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts. The scholarship was established on June 22, 2026, through an initial gift of $10,000 and will support students who embody the values Junie brought to the profession throughout her life.

Junie fully embodied the Daoist principles of compassion, presence, humility, service, and deep respect for the human spirit. Those fortunate enough to know her remember a woman whose warmth immediately put others at ease. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether speaking with a friend, a patient, a student, or a stranger, Junie listened deeply and responded with genuine care. She loved human connection and brought the patience of a devoted teacher to every encounter. While she was a fierce advocate and activist, every action she took was rooted in heart-mind presence and compassion.

Junie began her career as an early childhood educator, helping children with developmental disabilities. She went on to work at the Chinese Acupuncture and Herbology Clinic, where she met Mary Cissy Majebe and was inspired to become an acupuncturist herself.

When the Chinese Acupuncture and Herbology Clinic was raided in 1990, Junie stepped forward to help build the infrastructure necessary for the profession to survive and grow in North Carolina. Junie went on to co-found Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts in 2003 with M. Cissy Majebe, Rachel Novakowski and Patricia Bernarding.

Along with this work, Junie helped found the Traditions Acupuncture Foundation (TAF) and served as Executive Director. The Traditions Acupuncture Foundation continues this tradition of advocacy through its mission of supporting students, providing acupuncture services to medically underserved populations, and fostering the growth and integrity of the profession.

We are honored to establish this scholarship in memory of a teacher, mentor, advocate, activist, and leader whose influence continues to shape acupuncture education and practice throughout North Carolina and beyond.

This scholarship began as a generous gift from a member of the Asheville acupuncture community who wishes to support students on their educational path.

The term Sadhana means cultivating one's healing presence to compassionately serve all people in realizing their happiness. TAF is proud to annually facilitate this donation and the awarding of a scholarship to a student at Daoist Traditions College.