Drury makes promotion for beefed-up director role

Drury University announced a promotion for a director role with newly added responsibilities.

Chris Johns on Jan. 6 became executive director of the Drury Law Enforcement Academy and campus safety and security, according to a news release. He's served as director of campus safety and security since 2019.

“I began my career as a student in the Drury academy, so this is a wonderful next step to bring my career full circle and pay my experience forward for the next generation," Johns said in the release. "This new role will allow Drury to find ways to give our Law Enforcement Academy students practical training in areas that overlap in safety and security and law enforcement."

Tony Bowers, Law Enforcement Academy director, is scheduled to retire from Drury on Jan. 19 after 18 years in the role.

The newly expanded position for Johns involves senior leadership over the campus safety and security team and oversight of Law Enforcement Academy functions. The academy, which is certified by the Missouri Department of Public Safety, is a 750-hour basic training academy for those interested in careers in law enforcement, according to Drury.edu.

“Chris is exceptionally qualified for this innovative role, and his passion and knowledge will pave the way for Drury to explore new opportunities that allow safety and security to work with Law Enforcement Academy students while providing a more robust education and additional hands-on experiences," said James Ackerman, senior associate vice president for DruryGO, in the release.

Drury spokesperson Jasmine Cooper said the next academy class starting Jan. 17 has 18 students enrolled, with a graduation scheduled July 6. Under Bowers, the academy graduated more than 1,200 law enforcement officers, according to the release.