Drury University

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Drury University is a private liberal arts university in Springfield, Missouri. Founded in 1873, Drury has a rich history of linking liberal arts and sciences with professional studies. Drury’s mission is to cultivate spiritual sensibilities and imaginative faculties as well as ethical insight and critical thought; to foster the integration of theoretical and practical knowledge; and to liberate persons to participate responsibly in and contribute to a global community. Students who receive a Drury education learn how to connect dreams and aspirations to successful futures while engaging in meaningful service and work in the Springfield community and beyond. One of Drury’s most in-demand community and educational programs is its Center for Nonprofit Leadership (CNL, formerly the Center for Nonprofit Communication).

The Musgrave Foundation has generously supported the CNL since 2012, helping the CNL enhance the quality of life in Southwest Missouri by providing integrated communications, mission strategy, and fundraising support services to local nonprofit organizations. These services are provided by Drury students under the direction of full-time faculty, adding value to the student experience. In the last four years, the CNL provided resources and professional training to more than 500 nonprofits. Through its support of the CNL, the Musgrave Foundation promotes community service, while expanding non-profit capacity in the Southwest Missouri region.

The Musgrave Foundation’s impact on Drury goes beyond the CNL, however.

  • In 2015, the Foundation continued its support with a grant to the Drury Scholars Program, which aims to increase access to college education for African-American students in Springfield through mentorship and a residential summer program.
  • For over a decade, the Foundation funded the Taking a Stand for Kids (TASK) program, whose goal was to support faculty and students in the Drury community who worked with underserved youth through tutoring, mentoring and community events.
  • In the last decade, the Foundation helped launch and provides continuing support of a collaboration between Drury’s School of Education and Lighthouse Child and Family Development Center, an income-integrated daycare and preschool. Many Drury education students complete practicum hours at Lighthouse, and the Musgrave Foundation has provided funding for a Drury student internship at Lighthouse.
  • In 2012, the Foundation helped launch Drury’s Health Dual Degree programs in nursing and medical assisting, which are made possible through a collaboration with Cox College.

These grants represent just some of the many campus initiatives the Musgrave Foundation has generously supported at Drury University over the years. Drury faculty, staff and students deeply appreciate the support of the Musgrave Foundation, and all that the Foundation does to support our shared community. Drury University is proud to be a part of the continuing legacy of Jeannette L. Musgrave.