SPRINGFIELD, Mo., February 19, 2024 – Drury University will join the Southwest Baptist University Mercy College of Health Professions partnership to provide Drury students with a pathway to a career in nursing.
Through the partnership, which was initially established in 1986, students will receive their nonclinical education at Drury, SBU will provide the didactic clinical instruction at their Springfield campus and Mercy will provide the clinical opportunities. Upon graduating, students will receive a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Drury and an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) from SBU with the option of completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
“This partnership is a testament to our commitment to academic excellence and student success,” said Dr. Beth Harville, Drury University Provost. “Our students will gain access to the esteemed legacy of nursing education at SBU and Mercy, while seamlessly blending Drury’s liberal arts education to provide a powerful advantage that ensures they emerge as compassionate and skilled healthcare professionals poised to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”
The Sisters of Mercy have offered nursing education in the Springfield community since 1906 and collectively, Drury and SBU are known for nearly 300 years of academic excellence.
“SBU has long been committed to making Southwest Missouri a premier region in the healthcare industry, and expanding our partnership with Mercy to now include Drury University strengthens that mission,” said Dr. Tracy Manly, provost at Southwest Baptist University. “Together we will continue developing highly-skilled, caring professionals who will make a difference.”
With nursing shortages nationwide, including in Missouri, one goal of the expanded program is to help serve as a pipeline for Drury students into a nursing career at Mercy.
“We are so excited to team up with Drury and SBU in this way,” said Marie Moore, chief nursing officer at Mercy Springfield Communities. “This is just one more example of how leaders are willing and eager to come together to support the needs of our community, and right now we have a big need for nurses. Increasing students’ access to quality education and clinical experience is invaluable, and our nursing leaders and co-workers here at Mercy are so excited to welcome these students into our clinics and hospitals.”
Drury students can now begin registering for the nursing program to begin in fall 2024.
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Media Contacts:
Jasmine Cooper, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, Office: (417) 873-7390, Email: JCooper020@drury.edu
Brandt Merritt, SBU Vice President of Enrollment & Marketing, Office: (417) 328-3795, Email: brandt.merritt@sbuniv.edu
Ettie Berneking, Media Relations Manager for Mercy Springfield Communities, 573-529-4845, Ettie.berneking@mercy.net
