SPRINGFIELD, Mo., September 9, 2025 – Drury University will host a dedication on Thursday, September 18, at 2 p.m. for the newly named Mercy Science Center, providing a new identity to one of Drury’s most important academic buildings. The name change is made possible through a generous gift from Mercy Springfield Communities and helps usher in Drury’s expanded efforts in the fields of science and healthcare education.
“We are grateful for the generosity of the Mercy Springfield Communities and for their longstanding partnership to help us prepare a talented health care workforce for a future that requires state-of-the-art skills, inter-professional collaboration across teams, and empathy,” said Drury University President Jeff Frederick. “The Mercy Science Center will be home to students in critical science and health exploration, launching the next generation of Drury graduates into a world that needs experts who learn, think, do, and serve.”
Mercy has a long history of collaborating with academic leaders to ensure students who want to pursue a career in health care can get the best education and on-site clinical training while living and working in Springfield. That focus goes back to 1906 when the Sisters of Mercy first offered nursing education in Springfield. Since then, Mercy has gone on to collaborate with other area universities and now Drury with the naming of the Mercy Science Center.
“It is an honor to be part of Drury’s effort to train the next generation of health care professionals,” said John Myers, President of Mercy Springfield Communities. “Health sciences are what fuel our workforce pipeline, which is what allows us to care for our community, so seeing the Mercy name alongside Drury’s brings our team a lot of pride.”
In addition to numerous programs in biology and chemistry, the Mercy Science Center is the home of Drury’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program, which launched in 2023. It has quickly become one of the university’s most popular and successful graduate programs.
“Our health system serves as one of the largest clinical training sites for Drury’s PA program, and we take our role as educator and mentor seriously,” said Dr. Sadaf Sohrab, Chief Medical Officer of Mercy Springfield Communities. “We know the students our providers train will soon be tasked with caring for our patients and our community, and it is a privilege to be part of their educational journey.”
First dedicated in 2002, the former Trustee Science Center is home to all of Drury’s science and medically related academic programs, including biology, chemistry, health science, medical technology, pre-med, and pre-physician assistant.
###
About Mercy
Mercy, one of the 15 largest U.S. health systems and named the top large system in the U.S. for excellent patient experience by NRC Health, serves millions annually with nationally recognized care and one of the nation’s largest and highest performing Accountable Care Organizations in quality and cost. Mercy is a highly integrated, multi-state health care system including 50 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, convenient and urgent care locations, imaging centers and pharmacies. Mercy has over 1,000 physician practice locations and outpatient facilities, more than 5,000 physicians and advanced practitioners and more than 50,000 co-workers serving patients and families across Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In fiscal year 2024 alone, Mercy provided nearly half a billion dollars of free care and other community benefits, including traditional charity care and unreimbursed Medicaid.
About Drury University
Established in 1873, Drury University stands as the first higher education institution in Springfield, Mo. A private, church-related institution, Drury exemplifies a strong spirit of community passionate about student success. Noteworthy is Drury’s academic approach, which sets students apart by giving them a powerful advantage in acquiring exceptional outcomes by combining professional credentials and life aspirations. Marketing & Communications staff are available to news media during business hours at (417) 873-7392. Visit the Marketing & Communications office online at drury.edu/newsroom for the latest news. Resources, including searchable staff contacts and downloadable print-quality images and logos, can be found at drury.edu/mc.
###
Media Contact: Cris Belvin, Director of University Communications & Media Relations | Office: (417) 873-7392 | Mobile: (918) 625-2152 | Email: gbelvin@drury.edu