Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Education news and issues in the Ozarks.

Drury Names New President, Invites Community to Welcome Event

Timothy Cloyd
Submitted Photo

Dr. James Timothy Cloyd will serve as the 18th president of Drury University, effective July 1.

The Board of Trustees made the announcement Friday afternoon, following the recent conclusion of a national search that attracted nearly 200 applicants, including 30 present and former college presidents.

The 54-year-old Cloyd served as president of Hendrix College, in Conway, Arkansas from 2001-2014. The liberal arts school has been nationally recognized for its teaching and financial operations.  

He'll replace Dr. David Manual, who will retire as president this May.

In a news release, Drury says Cloyd’s strategic vision and leadership, presidential experience and accomplishments, and proven fundraising prowess made him the clear choice to become the school’s next president.  

“We are more than confident that Dr. Cloyd is the right person to lead Drury into a future that will attract more of the students we have always sought, and make our alumni proud of what we have become,” said Board chairman Lyle Reed, who also chaired the search committee. “Tim is committed to working with the faculty and Board in refining our liberal arts education for the next 50 years.”

In a statement, Cloyd said, “Drury University offers students a wealth of opportunities in a prestigious, supportive, and yet demanding academic environment. I am honored that I have been selected as its 18th president. With Drury’s distinguished history, strength, and bright future, [my wife] Wendy and I look forward to being part of the campus community. The depth of devotion of the faculty, staff, alumni, supporters, students, and Board of Trustees inspires us. I look forward to our collaborative leadership for the future of this wonderful, globally positioned university for the 21st century. I think it is also important to say that Wendy and I are already in love with the Springfield community.”

Under Cloyd’s leadership, Hendrix College grew its enrollment by more than 50 percent; built 13 campus buildings and significantly expanded its endowment.

Prior to his presidency, Cloyd was vice president for Advancement at Hendrix from 1997 to 2001, after serving as executive director of Advancement at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock. He’s also taught political science at Vanderbilt University.

Cloyd earned his Ph.D. in Political Science at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and has authored numerous articles on politics, fundraising, leadership and higher education.

Cloyd and his wife, Wendy, will begin serving Drury on July 1, 2016. They have three sons, with two in college and the other in high school. 

“I believe deeply in liberal arts and science education combined with pragmatic programs and professional education,” Cloyd added. “And I believe that there are creative, innovative, and entrepreneurial ways to position institutions in a manner that remains true to their organic roots and values.”

Drury faculty, staff and students are invited to meet Dr. Cloyd during a meet and greet event from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Saturday, at the Plaster Gallery in the O’Reilly Family Event Center.

Related Content