SPRINGFIELD, Mo., January 17, 2025 – Drury University is proud to announce the launch of its Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program, a promising initiative designed to prepare the next generation of healthcare leaders. Spearheaded by Jay Guffey, retired COO of Mercy Springfield Communities, and Steve Edwards, retired President and CEO of CoxHealth, the program exemplifies Springfield’s spirit of cooperation and innovation in healthcare.
“This innovative MHA program exemplifies how academic excellence and industry partnership can create extraordinary educational opportunities,” said Dr. Beth Harville, Drury University Provost. “By bringing together the expertise of distinguished healthcare leaders and our strong academic foundations, we are creating a program that will develop healthcare administrators who understand both the theoretical frameworks and practical challenges of modern healthcare delivery.”
This unique program, which launches this year, was developed with input from representatives from CoxHealth, Mercy Springfield Communities, Burrell Behavioral Health and the Springfield-Greene County Health Department. Designed to foster leadership, strategic thinking, and relationship-building skills, the MHA program embodies the Drury Difference in education — blending academic rigor with a focus on personal connections and mentorship.
A Collaborative Vision for Healthcare Leadership
The MHA program represents a cooperative effort between Drury University and leading healthcare organizations in the region. CoxHealth and Mercy have committed as financial partners and will recruit and enroll select employees to develop their leadership capabilities through the program. Burrell Behavioral Health has also joined as an economic contributor, while Jordan Valley Community Health Center serves as a program advocate.
Service and dedication in the Springfield community have been a lifelong pursuit for Jay Guffey. “The opportunity to partner with Drury University and the region’s healthcare providers to develop the MHA program is an exciting next step. The program has been designed around university academic graduate standards and real-world practicality. Partnership is the key ingredient in the program.” Guffey said.
For Steve Edwards, a Drury alumnus, launching this program fulfills a vision he has had since he was 24 years old. “Built on the foundation of a liberal arts university, I believe Drury’s MHA program will set a new standard. We will combine c-suite healthcare leaders and healthcare academicians to teach future healthcare leaders the skills, knowledge, integrity and character necessary to lead in this important industry,” Edwards said.
About the Program Leaders
Enrollment Information
The Master of Healthcare Administration program is now accepting applications for its inaugural cohort. For more information, visit drury.edu/graduate/mha/ or contact Jay Guffey at jguffey007@drury.edu.
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Media Contact: Kevin Kropf, Ed.D., Executive Vice President of Enrollment Management, Marketing & Communications | Office: (417) 873-7524 | Email: kkropf@drury.edu