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: 

what do you want your legacy at drury to be?

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

Professor of Chemistry

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.