SPRINGFIELD, Mo., July 28, 2026 – Drury University’s Physician Assistant Studies (PA) program recently received a $25,000 grant from the Arvest Foundation. The grant will be used for clinical simulation and diagnostic equipment as the program enjoys significant success.
“We are grateful to the Arvest Foundation for investing in the next generation of healthcare providers,” PA Program Director Ashley VanZant said. “This grant will allow us to enhance simulation-based training for our Physician Assistant students, helping them develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to provide exceptional patient care.”
Established in 2023, the PA program will graduate its second cohort in November and currently enrolls 117 students in a 27-month program. The program features 14 months of didactic curriculum and 13 months of clinical rotations.
“We are excited to be part of the Arvest Foundation’s generous contribution to Drury University’s medical school programs,” Shane Cowger, president for Arvest Bank in Springfield, said. “This investment in advanced training equipment directly supports the development of the next generation of healthcare professionals right here in the Ozarks. By empowering our future workforce with the tools they need to succeed, the Foundation is helping build a stronger, more sustainable future for our region. We are honored to help champion these types of impactful, forward-thinking initiatives that strengthen our community.”
Thanks in part to the generosity of the Arvest Foundation, Drury’s PA program will continue to equip students to become innovative clinical leaders dedicated to improving the health and well-being of communities across southwest Missouri and beyond.
About the Arvest Foundation
The Arvest Foundation seeks to provide funding to grantees who are actively working to create positive change for others. Major areas of focus include K-12 education, economic development, and enhancing the quality of life throughout the Arvest footprint. Learn more at arvest.com/foundation.
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Media Contact: Cris Belvin, Director of University Communications & Media Relations | (417) 873-7392 | gbelvin@drury.edu