Drury University expands programs, facilities

Drury College on Jan. 1 ushered in the new millennium by changing its name to Drury University. The school, which was founded in 1873, has long been known for its liberal arts programs. More recently, as a member of the Associated New American Colleges consortium, Drury's academic majors have emphasized professional preparation layered over the liberal arts foundation.

Over the years, Drury has expanded to offer nearly 45 undergraduate majors, including regionally and nationally recognized programs in architecture, education and business and master's programs in communication, criminology, business administration and education.

"Changing our name reflects our expanded mission," said Raymond "Rusty" Worley, vice president for administration. "We've grown to offer a wide array of majors and outstanding programs to our students, and we're continually expanding."

Drury's commitment to expansion is evident. Here are some of the changes that have taken place at the university during the past calendar year.

New academic programs

The College of Arts and Sciences, which serves the university's traditional daytime students, has added undergraduate degree programs in computer science, computer information systems/e-commerce, design art, writing and international business.

The College of Graduate and Continuing Studies, which conducts classes on evenings, weekends and at satellite campuses, also has expanded and now offers degree programs in communication and criminal justice.

In addition, Drury University has continued to develop more affiliations with universities abroad. This year, the university added a new study abroad program through the University of Granada, Spain.

Enrollment

Enrollment in the College of Arts and Sciences has increased 3 percent during the past year, while enrollment in the College of Graduate and Continuing Studies has increased by 13 percent. According to Worley, the Army's expansion of Fort Leonard Wood has helped boost enrollment at Drury University's satellite campuses in Lebanon, Rolla and Fort Leonard Wood. This fall, another satellite campus opened in Stockton.

Five new faculty positions also have been added. The additional faculty positions will allow the university to maintain a low student-teacher ratio both in the College of Graduate and Continuing Studies and the College of Arts and Sciences.

Women's basketball

Drury University recently expanded its athletic program with the addition of a women's basketball team. The team, which is coached by Nyla Milleson, won its first game Nov. 4 at Weiser Gym.

Construction, renovation

The most obvious changes at Drury University can be seen at the Springfield campus. Construction and renovation projects undertaken by the university include:

A $19 million project to build the new Science Center. The Science Center is the single largest capital project ever undertaken by the university, and construction is slated to begin this spring. The architect is Hellmuth, Obath & Kassbaum; the general contractor is to be determined.

A $3.7 million project to build university-owned, on-campus housing for three fraternities. According to Worley, moving the fraternities to university-owned housing will provide the students with better living facilities and free up real estate in selected areas of the campus that can be used for other purposes. The general contractor is Ken-Mar Construction; Ole-Thomas and Associates is the architect.

A $650,000 project to relocate Washington Avenue Baptist Church. In the interest of historic preservation, the university has agreed to move this 115-year-old church brick by brick from its current location at the corner of Chestnut Expressway and Washington Avenue to a new location just across the street at the corner of Brower Street and Washington Avenue. Bales Construction is the general contractor and Ole-Thomas and Associates is the architect.

A $1.6 million project to renovate a former warehouse on Clay Avenue into the Pool Arts Center, which will house all of the university's art classes and contain studio space. The general contractor is to be determined; Ole-Thomas and Associates is the architect.

In addition to these upcoming projects, Drury University has spent $500,000 to acquire several properties adjacent to the university, $75,000 to build a new locker room for the women's basketball team, and $450,000 to renovate the commons dining hall in Findlay Student Center.

Student housing also has increased in the last year. In October 1999, the university purchased a 26-unit apartment complex on Benton Street for $500,000.

The apartment complex, which has been renamed Manley Hall, provides housing to graduate and married students. In August, College Park Phase III opened. The project, which cost $1.7 million, provides housing for 64 students.

Because it is landlocked, officials at Drury University have had to develop innovative plans for future expansion. One of these plans would have Drury University trade land with nearby Central High School.

The university is waiting to hear from the Springfield R-XII School District regarding the possible land trade.