Rosalyn Thomas

Dr. Rosalyn Thomas ’74, ’78 M.Ed.
Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion

Rosalyn joined Drury University in August 2013 as the Coordinator of Diversity Support Services in the Student Affairs Division. With 33 years of service in the Springfield Public Schools System, Rosalyn completed her years of service under the title of Minority Liaison where numerous programs were introduced. Being a graduate of Drury, her connection to Drury remained intact as the school system put into place a teacher recruitment program in partnership with Drury University.

Rosalyn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in education with an emphasis on Special Education and a Master of Education degree from Drury University. She obtained a Specialist in Education from Missouri State University and a Doctoral Educational Leadership degree from Saint Louis University.

Responsibilities

• Serves as diversity and inclusion point person for Drury, helping raise the visibility of diversity efforts, clarify goals and assess progress.
• Provides expertise on issues of access, equity, diversity and inclusion.

During her tenure with Drury, Rosalyn has:

• Provided leadership for the Drury Bridges Program, which provides a smooth transition to college life for minority students.
• Represented Drury on the Community MODES group, which addressed issues associated with diversity and inclusion within the higher education institutions in Springfield.
• Revitalized the BUIC (Black United Independent Collegians) group at Drury.
• Implemented the Kinte Cloth ceremony for graduating students of color.
• Served on the President’s Council on Inclusion.
• Worked with the Diversity Scholars Program.
• Served on the renovation committee of the Benton Ave. AME Church.
• Served on the committee to organize and implement the birthday celebration of Rev. Oliver Brown.
• Provides ongoing support and mentorship to our students of color.