SPRINGFIELD, Mo., February 21, 2025 – Drury University is pleased to announce the appointment of Melanie Earl-Replogle ’99 as its new Executive Vice President for Advancement after a national search. A distinguished leader in higher education fundraising, Earl-Replogle brings more than two decades of experience in donor engagement, strategic fundraising, and institutional advancement.
Earl-Replogle has been with Drury since 2018 as the Director of Annual Giving and Stewardship and most recently served as Associate Vice President of Advancement, playing a pivotal role in the university’s record-breaking fundraising initiatives. Under her leadership, Drury achieved historic success in annual giving and athletics fundraising. Her efforts contributed to securing transformative gifts including grants, planned and major gifts. Her expertise in relationship-building, strategic planning, and digital fundraising has been instrumental in advancing institutional goals and fostering a culture of philanthropy.
“Melanie’s pathway to becoming the Executive Vice President of Advancement began all the way back to her undergraduate days at Drury with her intentional engagement on campus and in the community,” Drury President Dr. Jeff Frederick said. “As an alum, she knows firsthand the Drury difference in preparing a graduate for a life of personal and professional accomplishment. As a community member, she understands the deep connection between Town and Gown, and the level of support the university shows and will continue to show for the Ozarks and beyond. And as a leader, Melanie will bring a jolt of energy and creativity, merging Drury’s traditions with fresh innovation to provide support for Drury’s student-centered mission.”
Prior to joining Drury, Earl-Replogle held key fundraising positions at Missouri State University, where she successfully implemented innovative donor engagement strategies and built high-performing programs. She is a past recipient of the Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Ozarks Chapter and has been recognized for her contributions to award-winning advancement teams.
“I am honored to step into this role to lead our Advancement team and continue building on Drury’s legacy of philanthropy and donor engagement,” said Earl-Replogle. “Drury has a strong tradition of excellence, and I look forward to working with our advancement team, campus, alumni, donors, and community partners to ensure continued growth and success for our students and community. Drury is a special place for me, and I am excited to serve Drury and our donors in this new role. My success and accomplishments are all due to the generosity of our donors, volunteers, and amazing colleagues.”
Earl-Replogle officially assumes her new position immediately and will lead all aspects of Drury’s advancement efforts, including Drury’s Fortify the Future campaign.
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Media Contact: Kevin Kropf, Ed.D., Executive Vice President of Enrollment Management, Marketing & Communication | Office: (417) 873-7524 | Email: kkropf@drury.edu