At Drury University, a commitment to community engagement is woven into the fabric of campus life, not just for students but for faculty and staff as well. Each year, employees actively support the United Way of the Ozarks through workplace fundraising, education, and volunteer efforts that highlight the vital work of local agencies.

The 2024 campaign was a standout success, earning Drury recognition as one of Springfield’s top campaigns. Building on that momentum, the 2025 effort once again exceeded expectations. This year’s initiative included a Community Field Trip, offering employees a firsthand look at how United Way funding directly benefits individuals and families across the Ozarks.

Looking ahead, Drury employees will participate in the upcoming United Way Day of Caring, reaffirming their dedication to not only giving but also serving. Through annual campaigns and hands-on involvement, the Drury community remains deeply invested in advancing the well-being of the region we call home.

Drury University hosted a dedication ceremony on February 24, 2025, unveiling a new historical marker along the Springfield-Greene County African-American Heritage Trail. The marker honors Benton Avenue AME and Washington Avenue Baptist churches, both integral to Springfield’s Black community for over a century, providing spiritual guidance, education, and refuge. Notably, Benton Avenue AME was once led by Rev. Oliver L. Brown, associated with the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case.

The event featured remarks from community leader Dr. Lyle Foster, Drury alumna and trail organizer Charlotte Hardin ’85, and Dr. Michael Verney, Associate Professor of History at Drury. Each highlighted the churches’ enduring legacy and significance. Drury University President Dr. Jeff Frederick and Pastor Terrence Tate of Washington Avenue Baptist Church also spoke, with a musical performance by Drury student Lily Henry. Drury acquired the Benton Avenue AME property in 2014 and began exterior renovations in 2024, with plans for interior updates and museum exhibits continuing through 2025.

Dr. William T. Lewis, founder of WillHouse Global and a nationally recognized thought leader on people and culture, served as keynote speaker for Drury University’s annual Diversity and Reconciliation Undergraduate Conference at 11 a.m., Friday, April 4, in Stone Chapel. His talk, “Sticks, Stones, Broken Bones, and Harmful Words,” explored addressing incivility through C.A.R.E. (Courage, Awareness, Respect, Empathy). “We were delighted to have such an experienced educator help us nurture a campus rooted in care and mutual understanding,” said Drury chaplain Dr. Peter Browning.

Drury University proudly announced that two students, Claire Baker and Hailey Brown, were named semi-finalists for the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Both applied for English Teaching Assistant (ETA) awards and advanced to the next selection stage. The National Screening Committees recognized their exemplary qualifications and forwarded their applications to the respective country commissions for final selection. After the spring semester, it was announced that Hailey was selected as the official Fulbright recipient for Drury.

Baker, who majored in History and Political Science with a concentration in Women & Gender Studies, was a semi-finalist for an ETA in Kosovo. Her academic journey included being a Gilman Scholar, studying abroad in Rome, and active involvement in the History Club. Brown, an Elementary Education major with a minor in Psychology, was a semi-finalist for an ETA in Taiwan. She gained practical teaching experience through various practicums and studied abroad at Stranmillis University College in Northern Ireland.

Both students have demonstrated a strong commitment to global engagement and cultural exchange, aligning with the Fulbright Program’s mission to enhance mutual understanding between the United States and other countries.

For more on the Fulbright program, visit us.fulbrightonline.org

Drury University has launched a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program to develop future healthcare leaders. Created in collaboration with CoxHealth, Mercy Springfield Communities, Burrell Behavioral Health, and the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, the program emphasizes leadership, strategy, and relationship-building. CoxHealth and Mercy serve as financial partners, enrolling select employees to enhance leadership skills, while Burrell Behavioral Health and Jordan Valley Community Health Center are supporting the initiative with additional finances and resources. Key contributors include Jay Guffey, retired Mercy COO, and Steve Edwards, retired CoxHealth CEO, who helped shape the program with their expertise.

Drury has also reestablished its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, offering flexible options for working professionals. Students can specialize in Accounting or General Management and choose between an accelerated one-year track or a traditional two-year path. With eight-week courses blending online learning and faculty interaction, the program fosters career growth. Led by Dr. Arlisa Campbell and Dr. Daniel Bumblauskas, it serves professionals in healthcare, manufacturing, banking, and finance. Dr. Beth Harville, University Provost, emphasized Drury’s commitment to aligning business education with workforce needs. Enrollment is open for Fall 2025.

Launching in Fall 2025, Drury’s Master in Athletic and Sports Administration (MASA) prepares professionals for leadership in the sports industry. The 30-credit hour program offers online, in-person, and hybrid coursework covering leadership, project management, and legal aspects of sports. Building on Drury’s undergraduate Sports Leadership certificate, it serves future athletic administrators, sports marketers, and facility managers. The program includes internships and an applied capstone project, with an accelerated two-year completion option. Federal financial aid and Graduate Assistant positions are available, and the Sports Leadership Certificate can be applied toward the MASA or the Master in Integrative Leadership.

Drury University juniors Ava Henry (Liberty, Mo.) and Rana Umran (Springfield, Mo.) have been named 2025 Goldwater Scholars. They are among just six students in Missouri to receive this prestigious national honor, which includes up to $7,500 in funding for their senior year. Over 5,000 students from 445 institutions applied for the award.

Henry, an Environmental Biology major with a minor in Chemistry and Honors, has conducted research on microplastics in Springfield and presented at multiple regional and national conferences. “I am honored to have received the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, and I am grateful that Drury provided me with the opportunity to apply,” Henry said. “This award…offers resources to advance my education.”

Umran is majoring in Chemistry with a Fine Arts minor and Visual Arts certificate. She has held several leadership roles and participated in summer research experiences, most recently at St. Louis University and soon at the University of Minnesota. “The application process…was an invaluable learning experience,” Umran said. “I am honored to be named a Goldwater Scholar this year.”

Dr. Beth Harville, Provost, noted: “Their success highlights Drury’s commitment to foster undergraduate research and provide transformative educational opportunities.”

Drury University junior Zachary Stockton has made history as the institution’s first recipient of the prestigious Truman Scholarship, earning a $30,000 postgraduate award for his commitment to public service and leadership. An English and Writing major from Topeka, Kansas, Stockton is also the first student from a southwest Missouri university to receive this honor since 1999. His policy proposal, submitted as part of the scholarship application, advocated for federal protections to prevent housing applicants from being required to disclose HUD subsidies—a measure aimed at combating housing discrimination. Stockton plans to pursue a Master’s in Public Management and Community Advocacy, specializing in Inequality Studies at New York University. Drury President Dr. Jeff Frederick praised Stockton’s academic excellence and dedication to social justice, highlighting his potential to effect meaningful societal change.

In addition to the Truman Scholarship, Stockton was recently awarded the U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship, which will fund an immersive eight-week study of Swahili in Arusha, Tanzania. This opportunity aligns with his passion for cross-cultural engagement and public service. On campus, Stockton is actively involved in organizations such as the Student Advocates for the Advancement of Black Students (SAAB), the Black United Independent Coalition (BUIC), The Mirror student newspaper, and the English honorary society. Off campus, he contributes as a communications writer for the Springfield Tenants Union, focusing on housing justice. Stockton credits Drury’s supportive community for his achievements, stating, “The faculty, staff, students, and administration here want to see you succeed, and they put every effort into guiding you towards achieving your dreams.”

The Drury University men’s swimming and diving team clinched their 13th NCAA Division II national title in Indianapolis, marking the program’s first championship since 2014. The Panthers secured a 74-point victory over defending champions University of Tampa, highlighted by a record-breaking performance in the 400 medley relay (3:06.75) by Ivan Adamchuk, Davi Mourao, Alejandro Villarejo, and Lucas Minuer.

Individually, Adamchuk dominated backstroke events, while Mourao excelled in breaststroke. Israel Zavaleta swept both diving events.

Drury also earned national runner-up honors on the women’s side, finishing just 12 points behind Nova Southeastern University. Individually, Jonette Laegreid set a new NCAA Division II record in the 200 breaststroke, finishing in a time of 2:08.59. Laegreid’s record-setting swim and Mellie Wijk’s victories in the 200 IM and 200 fly were crucial to the team’s success.

The meet capped a season of relentless drive, with both teams rising to the national stage and leaving no doubt about Drury’s elite status in collegiate swimming and diving.

Drury University’s Director of Jazz Studies, Lori Kittrell Hutton ’88 M.Ed. ’93, has been honored with the 2025 Outstanding Jazz Educator Award by the Missouri Association for Jazz Education (MOAJE) for her exceptional contributions to jazz education in Missouri.

Drury University game development students Justin Kroh, Sean Greeley, and Richard Walker won the “Best in Sound” award at Chillennium, the world’s largest student-run game jam, for their 1990s-inspired project, showcasing Drury’s emphasis on hands-on learning and real-world application.

Drury University alumni Jeana Laughlin ’23 and Madison Wutke ’24 have been honored as 2025 Outstanding Beginning Teachers by the Missouri Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (MACTE) for their exceptional dedication to student success.

Brian Shipman ’12, Instructor of Communication, has worked with David L. Harrison ’59 to create a video library of “Poetry from Daily Life,” Harrison’s poetry column in the News-Leader and other papers in the US. Shipman helped organize with willing contributors from notable authors like Jane Yolen, Janet Wong, and Joseph Bruchac to produce video recordings of the articles they wrote for David’s column. The video library can be found on YouTube, and others may learn more by clicking here.