Charles Dickens wrote that, “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden…of anyone else”. Drury’s first president, Nathan Morrison, instituted this same principle of charity, empathy, and community leadership in the college’s culture when, following the Civil War, he expressed the desire that the college, “minister to the healing of the horrid wounds made by…war”. Since 1873 Drury has demonstrated a dedication to lifting, serving, and growing alongside the members of its local community.
Now, 150 years later, Drury University continues that initial mission to be a resource of community leadership and service. The graduate programs offered at Drury University are uniquely community and leadership oriented. These programs are created in direct response to community need. They offer a flexible and affordable path to equip community members with the knowledge, tools, and experiences to become stronger and more effective leaders.
Nonprofit and Civic Leadership:
Launched in Spring of 2016, Drury’s Master of Nonprofit and Civic Leadership (MNCL) has become a fantastic resource for the growing number of nonprofit and civic organizations in Greene County. One article reported 1634 nonprofit organizations in the County in 2022. This program equips graduates with the skills to tackle complex challenges faced by the nonprofit and civic sectors. Indeed, the contributions of MNCL graduates strengthens these vital organizations and positively impacts the community.
Current public sector leaders use the MNCL program to polish up their knowledge and skill sets. But, this program is also great for individuals who desire work with more purpose and are seeking to switch job fields. Amy Jardell, a member of the inaugural MNCL class in 2017, stated,
“In essence, the MNCL program has not only empowered me to realize my professional aspirations but has also inspired me with a sense of purpose and fulfillment…I am grateful for the education and support I received through the MNCL program ”
Amy currently lifts and serves her community as the Executive Director of a local nonprofit.
Public Service Leadership:
Many governmental and public service entities encourage, and will even reimburse tuition, for the continued education of their staff. However, graduate degrees specific to police, fire, and EMS professionals are hard to find. Criminal Justice or Sociology program often aren’t specific to the hands-on work that these community leaders perform. Programs often fail to meaningfully connect coursework back to the technical issues and challenges that these practitioners face.
Faculty and staff at Drury learned of this need directly from local public safety officials, who said they wanted to further their education, but couldn’t find a degree that would help them in their field. This collaboration culminated in the release of a Master of Public Service and Safety Leadership (MPSSL) degree in 2020.
A 2021 article ranked Drury’s MPSSL degree as the 10th most affordable Master of Public Safety degree in America. Additionally, it was the ONLY public safety focused graduate degree listed in Missouri. The authors of this article rate Drury’s program as,
“…both affordable and accelerated, making it one of the most attractive options in our ranking for busy and working professionals. The curriculum is designed by industry experts and includes fully online courses…”
The flexible online nature of this program is perfect for professionals who often work long shifts. Furthermore, public safety professionals from all fields gather to discuss and collaborate on the issues and challenges that they are facing. Fire Chief, Jarett Metheny demonstrated how this program encourages community networking and collaboration when he stated,
“..I’m not equipped to solve every problem in my community; but, together, we are!”
This program perfectly illustrates the progression that occurs as community leaders and educational entities collaborate to lift, serve, and make life better in the community.
Conclusion:
Thus, Drury University’s commitment to community leadership and service continues through its graduate programs. These programs aren’t simply about acquiring academic facts; they’re about empowering individuals to become the leaders our community needs. Whether you’re a seasoned professional seeking to elevate your impact or a passionate newcomer eager to contribute, Drury offers a path to make a real difference in your community.
Ready find meaning and purpose through community leadership and service? Explore Drury’s graduate programs today. You’ll find a supportive community of learners, dedicated faculty with a deep understanding of local needs, and a curriculum designed to equip you with the tools to become a powerful force for good. Together, we’ll continue to build up our Southern Missouri community.
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