Drury eyeing $4M in cost reductions

Drury University is looking to implement $4 million in cost reductions as the Springfield school deals with "post-pandemic fallout," according to President Tim Cloyd.

In an open letter, Cloyd said the university is narrowing down the expense reductions leading up to the next budget year, which starts in June, and continuing through May 2024.

"As many higher education institutions in our area and around the country are experiencing post-pandemic fallout, Drury University is not immune," Cloyd said in the letter. "In an abundance of caution, we are reevaluating the use of our resources and identifying ways in which we can be more efficient."

The initiative is slated to include fewer staff positions via employee attrition and unfilled vacancies, as well as the elimination of up to 10 positions.

"We must do this to stay in a strong position and continue to meet the needs of our students," Cloyd said.

Jasmine Cooper, director of university communications and media relations, said via email Drury currently has 396 faculty and staff and 2,146 students.