SPRINGFIELD, Mo., August 15, 2025 – Drury University welcomes its largest incoming class in nearly a decade as 484 new students arrive on campus to kick off the 153rd academic year. With Day School classes officially beginning on Tuesday, Aug. 19, this year’s incoming class is composed of 395 freshmen and 89 transfer students. A total of 55 students are international, and the class includes students from 26 states and 26 different countries. It is Drury’s largest incoming class since 2016.
“The Class of 2025 embodies the promise of tomorrow – leaders, scholars, innovators and change-makers ready to leave their mark,” shared Dr. Kevin Kropf, Executive Vice President of Enrollment Management, Marketing & Communications. “Our admissions team has been deeply impressed by their academic achievements and the wide-ranging talents they bring. We are eager to see how they will shape our campus community and make a lasting impact on Springfield.”
The fall semester commences with the revival of Drury’s annual Service Plunge on Monday, August 18, from 8:30 – 11:00 a.m. The Student Activities Fair and Pantherpalooza take place that same evening on the Kellogg Green and Drury Lane, respectively.
As part of the incoming class, 200 students are entering Drury on the Drury Springfield Promise, which reinforces Drury’s commitment to the Greater Springfield region. Designed to make a Drury education more affordable for bright students regardless of their financial situation, the Drury Springfield Promise provides additional resources to students within the greater Springfield area.
Drury has been at the forefront of higher education for over a century and a half, providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Founded in 1873 as the first higher educational institute in Springfield, Drury has grown from a small school with just a handful of students to a thriving university with a dynamic student body and a broad range of academic programs.
Current enrollment numbers are tentative, official numbers will be available on Sept. 5, following the university census.
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Media Contact: Cris Belvin, Director of University Communications & Media Relations | (417) 873-7392 | gbelvin@drury.edu