Drury University is a mid-sized private liberal arts institution located in Springfield, Missouri, with approximately 3,000 students, including 1,400 traditional undergraduates, 1,200 adult learners, and 250 graduate students, supported by 110 full-time faculty members. Known for its student-centered approach and rigorous academic environment, Drury emphasizes professional development and offers numerous clubs and organizations to prepare students for successful careers.
As a member of the New American Colleges and Universities, Drury is frequently recognized by national publications for its high-quality programs, solidifying its reputation as the premier private university in the Midwest for students seeking a liberal arts education with professional integration. Established in 1873, the university has been a catalyst for transformative educational experiences in the region.
Located in Springfield’s largest historic district, the university benefits from a vibrant metro area with a rich array of attractions, dining, shopping, and cultural activities. Springfield is also known for its beautiful scenery, a growing job market, excellent schools, and health care. Drury prides itself on being an inclusive community that embraces diversity and fosters an environment where all individuals feel valued and respected, without discrimination based on personal characteristics or background.
Drury University is an open and welcoming community from a rich variety of cultures, races, and socio-economic backgrounds. The mission and goals of the university dedicate the institution to being a community which “affirms the quality and worth of all peoples” and appreciates the “diversity of human culture, language, history and experience.”
Drury University does not discriminate based on disability, race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, or veteran status in its programs and activities.
The Department of Mathematics & Computer Science seeks two (2) full-time tenure-track assistant professors who wish to join a collegial department whose members share a passion for undergraduate education in computer science and mathematics. Successful candidates will develop and teach core undergraduate computer science courses beginning in the fall of 2027. Our preference is for applicants to have completed a Ph.D. in computer science or a related area such as mathematics by the start date and to begin at the rank of Assistant Professor.
The department aims to stimulate curiosity surrounding computing within a spirit of fellowship and a learning community in which students are able to develop their mathematical/analytical and computing abilities to their full potential. We invite applications from educators passionate about foundational computer science education. Our department values diverse perspectives and specialties, and we welcome candidates whose expertise extends beyond the core curriculum into other areas of interest.
While core instruction is the primary focus, we strongly encourage applicants with expertise in diverse or emerging specialty areas to apply.
Job duties include teaching and advising students, service to the department and university, and scholarly activity. A record of outstanding teaching and commitment to undergraduate education are required.
To be assured of full consideration, all application materials should be received by November 6, 2026.
To apply, candidates will need to upload the following materials:
Questions about this search should be directed to the search chair, Professor Bob Roberston, at rroberts@drury.edu or (417) 873-6973.
The Engineering Department at Drury University is searching for adventurous spirits to join a small team building new mechanical and electrical engineering programs. Drury University is a small undergraduate-focused liberal arts school in Springfield, Missouri that welcomed its first engineering students in Fall 2024.
We are seeking faculty with a passion for teaching undergraduates and a willingness to teach a variety of undergraduate mechanical engineering topics. While candidates from any mechanical engineering discipline are welcome to apply, preference will be given to those who have a background in and enthusiasm for teaching dynamics, measurements, and/or materials. Preference will also be given to candidates whose interest areas complement existing faculty strengths in additive manufacturing, fluids, numerical methods, controls, and statics/mechanics of materials.
Requirements include doctorate and baccalaureate degrees in mechanical engineering or a closely related field. (Doctorate must be complete by the start of employment.) Essential job functions include teaching and advising students; service to the department, University, and professional communities; and professional development.
We welcome applications for tenure-track positions from candidates at any rank (Assistant/Associate/Full Professor) to begin fall 2027. Review of applications will begin December 2, 2026.
Applicants please submit:
Candidates should also provide evidence of a commitment to fostering and engaging with a diversity of ideas and experiences, which create an inclusive environment in the classroom and at the university.
Finalist candidates will also be asked to provide contact information for at least three (3) professional references capable of commenting on the appropriateness of your candidacy at Drury University.
Additional information on Drury and the Engineering Department is available from drury.edu/engineering.
For full consideration, candidates should submit their application materials no later than Wednesday December 2, 2026. The search will remain open until the position is filled.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Applications: Please send online applications/resumes to Shoba Lepakshaiah at slepakshaiah@drury.edu. Contact Dr. Bob Throne at rthrone@drury.edu for questions. EEO/AA Drury University (drury.edu) is fully committed to upholding and advancing the creation of a diverse and inclusive environment where every member of our community will treat each other with dignity and respect. We recognize that diverse experiences enrich our institution and all who pass through it. We honor, welcome and respect all identities and perspectives.
The Department of Behavioral Sciences at Drury University invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-track position in Psychology. The appointment will be made at the rank of Clinical Assistant Professor or Instructor, depending on the successful candidate’s academic credentials and licensure status. Candidates should have expertise in clinical psychology or a related discipline. The start date is August 2027.
Clinical Assistant Professor: Candidates must have a doctoral, specialist (Ed.S.), or master’s degree in clinical, counseling, or school psychology from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Current, active licensure is required.
Instructor: Candidates must have a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology with expertise in clinical psychology or a related discipline.
The department is interdisciplinary and offers undergraduate degrees in Clinical and Behavioral Neuroscience, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Psychology, and Sociology. The successful candidate will contribute to an interdisciplinary undergraduate program and may teach introductory psychology, positive psychology, psychopathology, psychological tests and measurement, and/or other related courses.
The teaching load is 21 credit hours per academic year for a Clinical Assistant Professor and 24 credit hours per academic year for an Instructor. The successful candidate will receive the same consideration for faculty development funds as tenure-track and tenured faculty.
Applications should include a letter of interest addressing the candidate’s qualifications, a current curriculum vitae, a teaching philosophy statement, and official transcripts. Three letters of recommendation are also required.
Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Applications and letters of recommendation should be sent to Search Committee Chair Dr. Callie Gibson, c/o Lori Sechler, at lsechler@drury.edu.
Drury University has a long record of effective engagement and activism in the Ozarks. Founded in 1873, the University is located in Springfield, Missouri, the center of a metropolitan area exceeding 500,000 in population. Additional information about Drury University and the Department of Behavioral Sciences can be found at drury.edu.
Drury University is seeking a Founding Program Director for its Master of Science in Anesthesiologist Assistant Studies (MS-AA) program. Building on the momentum of Drury’s successful Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program, the MS-AA program will be the newest addition to the growing portfolio of graduate healthcare programs within the School of Health Sciences. The successful candidate will 1) be an experienced leader who will oversee the proposed MS-AA program’s development, including fiscal planning, curriculum development, and hiring of principal faculty and support staff; 2) coordinate the preparation of all protocols, standards, and documents required for initial ARC-AA accreditation; and 3) grow and lead the new MS-AA program to meet Drury’s purpose of transforming student lives through personalized education.
Drury University, a liberal arts institution located in Springfield, Missouri, is known for its student-centered approach to undergraduate and graduate education. The university’s rigorous academic environment, intentional professional development experiences, and many extra-curricular and co-curricular opportunities produce students who are prepared to be the next generation of leaders in their chosen careers. Drury’s dedicated and conscientious mentoring of students fosters adaptability, versatility and a range of core competencies.
Drury is regularly recognized for its high-quality programs, as the private university of choice in the Midwest for ambitious students seeking a liberal arts education integrated with professional programs. The University has been a catalyst for progressive changes in the region since its inception in 1873 and continues to be a leader in transformative educational experiences. Drury’s School of Health Sciences launched its first graduate healthcare program, the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, which welcomed its inaugural cohort in 2023 and has since achieved Accreditation-Provisional status from the ARC-PA. In 2025, the Master of Healthcare Administration welcomed its first students into a program supported academically and financially by local healthcare systems. Building on that success, Drury is now expanding the School of Health Sciences with the addition of the MS-AA program, further positioning the University to equip graduates for meaningful lives of work and service for generations to come.
Springfield is the third-largest city in the state of Missouri and the county seat of Greene County. With more than 500,000 people in the metro area and millions of tourists each year, Springfield is rich with interesting and entertaining attractions, and a variety of dining, shopping, recreation, and cultural activities. Springfield has a plentiful and growing job market, great schools, excellent health care, distinctive entertainment, and a wonderful culture overflowing with abundant character and friendliness. All at the same time, you can fast-track your career, afford the home you’ve always wanted, simplify your commute, and enrich your life amid the natural Ozarks beauty. Among Springfield’s finest assets are its beautiful scenery and clean environment, something community leaders are striving to maintain through a variety of programs and sustainable building projects.
All correspondence relating to the Founding Program Director position at Drury University should be directed in confidence to:
Justin Dickenson, Director of Academic Affairs Support Services
Office of Academic Affairs
jdickenson@drury.edu
Applications submitted by January 29, 2027 will receive priority consideration. This search will remain open until the position is filled.
Drury University does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, or veteran status in its programs and activities.
Job Title
Principal Faculty: Physician Assistant Program
Job Summary
The Principal Faculty member reports directly to the Program Director and plays a key role in the collaborative planning, development, implementation, evaluation, and accreditation of the Physician Assistant (PA) Program. The individual must be team-oriented and possess excellent communication, teaching, and problem-solving skills.
Duties/Responsibilities as Principal Faculty
A. Curriculum Development & Instruction
Design, implement, and instruct didactic coursework, including serving as Course Director for assigned courses.
Facilitate laboratory and small group sessions.
Participate in continuous curriculum review and evaluation.
Contribute to remediation and reassessment efforts.
Provide academic instruction and support as assigned.
B. Program Evaluation & Accreditation
Actively participate in ARC-PA accreditation processes, including program self-assessment, documentation, and reporting as directed by the program director.
Assist with data collection and perform statistical analysis to support accreditation and continuous quality improvement, as directed by the program director.
Serve on the Self-Assessment Committee and lead self-assessment initiatives, as directed by the program director.
Engage in ongoing evaluation of program mission, vision, program goals, program competencies, and effectiveness.
C. Student Support & Advising
Advise students on academic progress and professional development.
Participate in the Student Progress Committee and Principal Faculty Committee.
D. Admissions & Recruitment
Participate in the recruitment, interviewing, and selection process for incoming students.
E. Additional Roles
Maintain all necessary licenses and certifications for practice and teaching eligibility.
Participate in clinical practice and/or scholarly activity as appropriate and encouraged.
Minimum Qualifications
Physician Assistant applicants
Minimum of 3 years of recent clinical experience as a PA.
Minimum of a Master’s degree in PA.
Must have current NCCPA certification.
Must be eligible for Missouri state license.
Other Health Care Professional applicants (MD, DO, NP, PharmD)
Minimum of 3 years of recent clinical experience.
A graduate of an accredited university from an institution within the United States.
Current board certification, or Emeritus status.
Eligible for Missouri state license
Consideration will be given to individuals who do not hold a health care professional degree but possess a terminal degree (e.g., PhD) in one of the human-focused basic life sciences and teaching experience at an accredited institution for higher learning.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience in teaching or demonstrated potential for excellence in instruction and presentation.
Proficiency with educational technologies and electronic learning platforms.
Strong organizational, planning, and multitasking skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
High level of initiative, professionalism, and a strong work ethic.
Strong interpersonal communication abilities.
ADDRESS APPLICATION TO:
Ashley VanZant
Physician Assistant Program Director
Drury University
729 Drury Lane
Springfield, MO 65802
Email: avanzant@drury.edu
Occasionally we have a need for qualified instructors in specific disciplines to each on a contract-base appointment a semester at a time.