Drury University (DU)

Students at Drury University praise the school for its personalized and well-rounded educational experience. There are numerous opportunities to shape your academic path in this "welcoming and unique" environment. The school's curriculum, known as Drury Fusion, allows students to pursue their passions by combining coursework with hands-on experiences, such as service learning or internships. In addition to their major, students must choose at least one certificate to specialize in, with options ranging from Graphic Storytelling and Arts Administration to Ethical Leadership and Cybersecurity Fundamentals. All Drury students also have the opportunity to study abroad, and it is a degree requirement for students in the architecture and business schools. Students appreciate that the faculty "want to see you succeed." As one enrollee explains, professors "take an interest in their students and desire to see them achieve both inside the classroom and in the real world." For example, one student shares, "I've never had a professor nor heard of a professor turning down an independent study with a student." Professors here "expect the best out of you" and provide an education that's both "useful and valuable." The small classes "allow your professors to get to know you as an individual," and they appreciate that their instructors offer guidance with "career plans and paths, as well as provide mentorship" to their students.

Students here are “inviting and willing to always let someone join in on the fun.” As one student says, “I never imagined a college campus could feel so supportive and connected until I came to Drury.” Classmates have “a lot of school spirit” and “are so nice and welcoming.” There isn’t “only a single type of person on campus;” instead, there’s a “community for everyone, whether they are musicians, writers, athletes, artists, gamers, or anything in between.” A common bond among students is “a strong desire to learn.” Classmates here are “bright and ambitious” and “very studious.” As one student describes, “It is a small campus with hardworking people.” At the same time, this focused student body is “very personal and outgoing.” The school’s relatively small size creates “so much room for building friendships” and makes it possible to have “friends from across all the disciplines.” As one student says, “You get to know everyone at such a personal level; it makes the school feel like a true community.”

At this “very social” school, students enjoy “friendly gatherings and discussions” around campus, especially “during the Fall semester,” and casual hangouts in the dorms like movie nights and board game nights. Many students participate in intramural sports or are student-athletes. Overall, “athletics are pretty big” here, with some adding that Greek life is “also very fun.” Drury “encourages students to be involved in the community” and has weekly opportunities to volunteer, including “at the local juvenile probation office, humane society, and elementary schools.” There are numerous clubs available, and students tend to be involved “in at least one organization on campus.” There are also campuswide events hosted by the Student Union Board, such as Fall Fest, Homecoming, and Spring Fling. Students often venture off campus to explore Springfield, which has “so much to see and do,” including movie theaters, a mall, restaurants, coffee shops, and music venues. Springfield also hosts cultural events like the First Friday Art Walk, where “various galleries (including Drury-owned and student-run ones) host different art shows all around town…. It’s really an amazing night out on the town exploring different art and city life.” Whether on or off-campus, hanging with the community, or checking things out solo, the consensus is that you will “have free time to pursue whatever it is that will fill your needs” and that you can find it at Drury.