Drury University increased enrollment across the traditional student population and in the Physician Assistant program for the current academic year, reflecting the university’s growing appeal and the success of its strategic initiatives.

“This is such an encouraging time to be at Drury. With increasing numbers of students, a revived presence in Springfield, our graduates making their mark in so many ways, and new programs like Engineering and Physician Assistant getting anchored, we have much to be thankful for and be excited about in the coming year,” said Dr. Jeff Frederick, President of Drury University. “In this fast-paced, impersonal world, making direct connections with professors in small classes has never been more important. We couldn’t be happier that Drury’s advantages, outcomes, and affordability are making a difference for all types of students.”

The total Day school enrollment has seen a notable rise over the previous year, up to 1,391 from 1,369 driven by increases in strategic areas including the new Engineering program, international students, domestic students of color, student-athletes, and those from Springfield and southwest Missouri. While non-traditional student enrollment through Drury GO and the College of Graduate Studies (CGS) has decreased slightly, the Physician Assistant (PA) program brought in its second cohort, more than doubling the enrollment to 69, up from 29 in 2023.

Overall, Drury University has maintained the momentum from its 150th anniversary, which included a record fundraising year for the Student Success Fund. The university has also made substantial capital improvements, including the opening of a new student recreation area, including pickleball courts, known as the Panther Pad, major renovations to the newly named Lydy Suites residential hall, and the Sunderland Lyceum in the library.

Drury University has begun significant restoration work on the former African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church at Benton Avenue and Central Street. Over $3 million in grants have been secured for the project, and the installation of a new 50-year roof has started. Following this, window improvements and tuckpointing will be completed with interior renovations set to follow. The restoration is scheduled for completion in 2025.

The project is funded through a blend of public and private funding.

“This project honors the African- American legacy in our region while serving our mission to educate students,” said Dr. Jeff Frederick, President of Drury University. The restored church will be used for educational purposes and to honor figures such as Rev. Oliver Brown and the national civil rights movement, particularly the Brown v. Board of Education case.

The AME Church will house exhibits on local and national struggles for justice and equality. Dr. Michael Verney, Associate Professor of History, will lead efforts to preserve historic documents and photographs. The building will also serve as a meeting space for the community and be part of the African American Heritage Trail. Dr. Rosalyn Thomas, Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion, is excited for the project’s completion and its community impact.

Drury University hosted its inaugural Physician Assistant (PA) White Coat Ceremony on Saturday, Sept.14 at the O’Reilly Enterprise Center in the Judy Thompson Executive Conference Center. The ceremony marked a significant milestone for Drury’s first cohort of PA students as they transitioned from academic study to their future roles in patient care. During the ceremony, students took the Pledge of Professionalism, committing to uphold principles of honesty, dedication, and effective patient care while continually expanding their knowledge and skills.

“This is a landmark event for the Drury University PA Class of 2025 as they take their first steps in treating patients and serving the population of southwest Missouri, surrounding communities, and beyond,” said Dr. Lawrence Herman, Clinical Professor and Program Director. “We could not be prouder of these talented healthcare professionals and the work they will do.”

The keynote address was delivered by Brett Clayton, PA-C, an experienced orthopedic PA and educator, who has served as both a preceptor and adjunct professor in the Drury PA Program. Clayton, who practices at Phelps Health in Rolla, MO, emphasized the importance of respect and happiness in the PA profession. “Treat everyone with respect, whether they are a colleague or a patient,” he said. “And remember, as a physician assistant, being happy and positive is important — your attitude sets an example for others.”

The Physician Assistant profession, established in the U.S. in the 1960s, has grown significantly over the past 50 years, becoming a cornerstone of the healthcare system. Originally launched at Duke University by Dr. Eugene Stead in 1965, the PA model focuses on collaborative care, serving underserved populations, and expanding across specialties and regions. DU

For more information about Drury’s PA program, click here.

Drury University recently welcomed Mai Whelan, Founder of the upcoming “Mother Mai” docuseries and winner of “Squid Game: The Challenge,” to spotlight Eden Village and The Gathering Tree’s efforts to end homelessness. These organizations will be featured in the pilot episode of Whelan’s series, which will highlight nonprofits transforming communities across the U.S.

“We’re thrilled to see Mai’s series shine a light on The Gathering Tree’s efforts to provide dignified housing,” said Professor Traci Sooter. Drury University supports this work by housing advanced 3D concrete printers used to build affordable homes for the chronically homeless. Architecture students also collaborate on designs and builds.

Whelan praised Eden Village, the nation’s first master-planned tiny home community for the chronically homeless, and the 3D-printed homes that offer a durable, cost-effective housing solution. Recent tests showed the homes can withstand winds up to 250 miles per hour, meeting E5 tornado shelter standards.

Drury students were excited about the project. “It gives us real-world experience and connects us to the community,” said Tylin Heathman ’26. Brayden Roth ’26, added, “I’m excited to see what the 3D printer can do for architects and society.” Jasmyn Douglas ’26, emphasized the project’s innovative nature.

To open educational pathways and make higher education more accessible for transfer students, Drury University and Ozarks Technical Community College are partnering through the Drury Springfield Promise. This innovative partnership enhances degree access, reduces financial barriers, and provides a seamless transition for academically qualified Ozarks Tech students aiming to complete their degrees at Drury.

“These new agreements between Drury and Ozarks Tech pave the way for greater collaboration now and into the future,” said Dr. Jeff Frederick, Drury University President. “That’s great news for our community and employers hungry to add talented achievers to the workforce.”

Ozarks Tech students are assured a streamlined admissions process, high-quality academic advising, and a pathway to an affordable Drury education through this collaboration. The partnership reflects the shared mission of both institutions to prioritize a relational, personalized educational experience and meet the needs of students throughout the Ozarks region.

Drury University’s Cyber Defense team achieved a remarkable 19th place in the national Department of Energy CyberForce Competition held in Chicago. The senior team members — Max Makarov ’25, Mark Drozdetckii ’25, Ewa Samberger ’25, Sean Greeley ’25, Ethan Mitchell ’25, and Owain Ulven ’25 — excelled among the top 100 university teams nationwide.

“The CyberForce competition sponsored by the Department of Energy brings together the top 100 Cyber Defense programs from coast to coast to compete against one another to protect and defend their networks,” stated Dr. Shannon McMurtrey, Associate Professor of Cyber-Risk Management.

“This competition tests students’ abilities to protect and defend critical infrastructure. I could not be more proud to see this team finish in the top 20 against this level of competition.”

The CyberForce Program is a workforce development initiative that prepares students to protect critical energy infrastructure through hands-on competitions, career fairs, and learning resources. Emphasizing operational and IT cybersecurity, the program nurtures critical thinking, teamwork, and real-world skills through simulated challenges.

Simultaneously, another Drury team, led by juniors and sophomores, competed in the National Cyber League team game and placed impressively in the top 300 out of nearly 5,000 teams nationwide. This team included Taylor Sloan ’26, Lauren Fergerson ’25, Dalton Hammon ’27, Mayumi Shinozuka ’26, Nate Wishne ’26, and Sanjay Vikash Vasidhar ’26.

The university’s success in both competitions underscores the growing strength of its Cyber Defense program in preparing students to tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges.

Drury University hosted a groundbreaking Medical Virtual Reality Exposition at the Hammons School of Architecture in collaboration with the International Virtual Reality Healthcare Association (IVRHA). The event featured student-created virtual reality (VR) experiences for pediatric patients, designed by Professor David Beach and his team to help children escape the confines of their hospital rooms. Attendees, including healthcare professionals, experienced these immersive worlds firsthand.

Professor Beach’s project, “Rising Bravery,” is a VR game where users explore architectural spaces and even ride dragons, combining entertainment and education. Industry leaders like CrossComm, Neurocovr, and Elm Park Labs presented at the exposition as well, demonstrating the innovative uses of VR in healthcare.

“We are showcasing VR healthcare demonstrations from different organizations and companies, and this is the second stop of an eight-city tour that we are doing this month in October,” said Robert Fine, IVRHA Executive Director. “The purpose of being here in Springfield is to get people to try VR and understand the opportunities and applications of these technologies.”

Drury University senior Briella Riley ’25 earned second place in the Catalysis and Reaction Engineering category at the 2024 American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Undergraduate Student Poster Competition. She credits her success to the guidance of research advisors Dr. Manpadi and Dr. Korir and is proud to represent Drury on this national stage.

Rebecca Miller, Professor of Design & Visual Arts and Department Chair, has become a member of the Collection Committee for the Daum Museum in Sedalia, MO. Additionally, Miller has work featured in the shows “IN PROTEST: Global Activism,” International Juried Exhibition at the Chicago Center for Photojournalism in Chicago, Illinois (Oct. to Dec. 2024) and had more work featured in “Democracy Under Siege,” National Juried Exhibition at the Hera Gallery, Wakefield, Rhode Island (Oct. 2024).

Dr. Natalie Precise, Associate Professor and Dean of the School of Education, was selected to be one of Springfield Business Journal’s 2024 Most Influential Women. A sold-out event was held on Oct. 18 at DoubleTree’s Glendalough Convention Center where honorees were recognized for their role in improving the southwest Missouri business, civic, and philanthropic communities.

Professor Joshua Nason became the new Dean of Hammons School of Architecture. Nason, a former Professor and Architecture Program Director from the University of Texas of Arlington, brings extensive experience in academic leadership, experiential learning, and curriculum development to the architecture program.

Dr. Daniel Bumblauskas became the new Dean of the Breech School of Business Administration. Bumblauskas, former Executive Director and Associate Dean of the Craig School of Business at Missouri Western State University, has extensive experience leading programs that provide students with powerful advantages for exceptional outcomes after graduation.

Brian Fogle, former President of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO), joined the faculty as an Executive in Residence. In this position, he will connect Drury students with non-profit organizations to meet the needs and challenges of our community and support non-profit organizations through undergraduate and continuing education in non-profit leadership.