SPRINGFIELD, Mo., April 23, 2026 – The Drury University Board of Trustees has voted to extend the contract of Dr. Jeff Frederick as university president, signaling confidence in Frederick’s leadership and vision during a time of significant and rapid change in higher education.
The Board made the announcement during its annual spring meeting on Thursday, April 23, in Springfield.
“After an exhaustive nationwide Presidential search in 2024, we knew we had found a unique talent in Dr. Frederick,” Board Chair Walt George ’79 said. “Over the last two years, he has exceeded expectations both on campus as well as in the Springfield community. We are delighted that Jeff and his wife, Melinda, have decided to make Drury their home for years to come. The university is in very capable hands.”
Frederick was appointed as Drury’s 19th president on March 13, 2024, and assumed his duties on June 1 of the same year.
“Melinda and I came to Drury because we wholeheartedly believe in the tremendous value of a personal, relational education in preparing graduates to be adaptable, versatile and ready for anything that may come their way,” Frederick said. “In a constantly changing and impersonal world, Drury stands in a special place, where every student finds their people, their purpose and learns the skills necessary for a life of meaning and accomplishment.
“It’s been a privilege to work alongside our faculty, staff, alums, trustees, partners and community members as we gained great momentum these last two years. I am pleased that the board has extended my contract and am grateful for the chance to keep serving Drury, Springfield, the Ozarks and beyond.”
Since Frederick arrived on the 40 acres, Drury has seen increases in its overall enrollment, significant growth in the University’s fledgling Physician Assistant Program, the opening of the Mercy Science Center and considerable campus beautification improvements.
The crowning achievement for Drury since Frederick’s arrival has been the implementation of the Drury Springfield Promise (DSP) program. Initiated last fall, DSP provides a $2,000 scholarship to any admitted student within an eight-county area around Springfield. It also assures Pell Grant-eligible students that out-of-pocket expenses for tuition and student fees to attend Drury as a commuter student won’t exceed $3,000 in any given year.
In the fall of 2025, Drury admitted a total of 179 students via DSP, part of the largest Day School class in six years.
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Media Contact: Cris Belvin, Director of University Communications & Media Relations | (417) 873-7392 | gbelvin@drury.edu