Proffitt received his bachelor's degree and master's degree in religious studies from the University of Colorado and his PhD in Buddhist studies from the University of Michigan. He studied Japanese at the Inter-University Center in Yokohama from 2009 to 2010 and conducted research as a Fulbright Fellow at Otani University, Koyasan University and Ryukoku University from 2014 to 2015.
Proffitt serves the UAlbany Interfaith Center and Buddhist Student Association as a Buddhist chaplain. He also co-founded the Albany Buddhist Sangha and regularly teaches mindfulness and meditation for community organizations in the Albany area.