The following is an excerpt from the Spring 2026 issue of Drury Magazine
It takes everyone on campus to make One Drury a reality. A powerful outcome from acting in unity around the story of who we are and how we work together is the legacy that’s left behind by each person involved, even when they are no longer physically on campus. Whether it’s because of graduation, retirement, or moving on to a new phase of life, every person connected to Drury is a part of the university’s history. We asked members of the Drury community:
Ali Deckard
Biochemistry + Mathematics, Pre-Engineering & Honors | Student Government Association President
My approach has always been to show up, speak honestly, and advocate for students, even when that means standing firm or asking difficult questions. If my time at Drury helped move conversations forward and made it a little easier for the next group of students to speak up and lead, that’s more than enough for me.
Chip Parker ’83 MEd ’89
Associate Dean of Students for Student Success
That I have made a positive impression with my students, my staff colleagues, and faculty that I have interacted with over the years. That I have ultimately made a difference in their Drury experience and helped someone succeed through our interaction. I have been labeled “a fixer,” so I hope that is true and I have made a difference in someone’s life.
Dr. Mark D. Wood ’81
Professor of Chemistry
The ethos of Drury was created from the hearts of Congregationalist missionaries who believed education could provide a balm of healing to the wounds inflicted by civil war. I am blessed to help continue this tradition of love and respect toward our students – and to believe our calling guides young minds to lives full of meaning and purpose.
Dr. Peter Browning
Retired Professor of Philosophy & Religion
My time at Drury was a gift for me. I loved teaching philosophy and religion courses. I delighted in holding weekly worship gatherings where many students got their first chance to preach. I also found joy in organizing conferences and in doing research and writing. I’m convinced that legacies aren’t chosen by us as much as they are recognized by others. I have no idea what my legacy will be. However, I do know that I wish for our new chaplain, the Rev. Dr. Charles Neff, the same joy, wonder, excitement, and sense of fulfillment that I had across the decades.
Bonnie Wilcox
Executive Assistant to the President
After more than three decades at Drury, my legacy isn’t tied to a single role but to the relationships, experiences, and shared successes along the way. I’ve been fortunate to serve in several positions across campus, each one deepening my appreciation for this community and the people I’ve had the honor to work with through the years. Some of my most meaningful memories come from working with the SIFE team and traveling with them as they competed nationally and on the world stage, and from being a fan of Drury basketball. But above all, I’m most proud that both of my daughters graduated from here. Drury has shaped my professional life and my family’s story, and it will always hold a special place in my heart.
Dr. Jennifer Joslin
Retired Director of the Robert & Mary Cox Compass Center
It was my great honor to serve as the first Director of the Cox Compass Center, a truly unique center for student success. The thrill of working with alumni donors, grant-funders, faculty, staff, and students was tremendous. I hope to be remembered for helping to launch such an amazing Center for students. My unofficial legacy was having a lot of fun with as many colleagues as possible everyday!
Rylie Blankenship
Political Science + Theatre | Student Union Board President | Head Resident Assistant
When I graduate this May, I would like my legacy that is left behind at Drury to be centered around kindness. When people think of me, I would like to think I bring a smile to their faces. I hope they remember our funny conversations that usually would lead to me cry laughing. I am grateful for all of the opportunities Drury has given me, and I am grateful that the roles I leave behind are being filled by other wonderful Drury students.