Drury University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Drury University has 8 executives leading key functions including financial management, operational oversight, and institutional leadership.

Committed to academic excellence and student success, Drury University fosters a transformative liberal arts environment that prepares graduates for professional achievement and lifelong learning through diverse undergraduate, graduate, and online educational pathways.

Leadership Roles at Drury University

  • Chief Financial Officer - Debbie O'Neal
  • Interim Chief Operating Officer - Aaron Jones
  • Orginization President - Isabelle Woidela
  • President - Jeff Frederick
  • President - John Beuerlein
  • President - Rian Mulherin
  • President - Tim Cloyd
  • President - Alanis Ballester
  • Debbie O'Neal - Chief Financial Officer

    Debbie O'Neal, the Chief Financial Officer at Drury University, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic sustainability of the institution. O'Neal directs the allocation of university resources, ensuring alignment between budgetary planning and the strategic goals of the liberal arts curriculum. By overseeing financial reporting, endowment management, and institutional audits, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the integrity of the university's financial operations. Debbie O'Neal collaborates with the Board of Trustees to optimize revenue streams and control expenditures across all academic departments. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments while supporting the expansion of online and evening programs. Through rigorous financial analysis and prudent capital planning, O'Neal secures the necessary funding to enhance campus infrastructure and academic resources. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer drives the fiscal stability required to sustain the mission of the university.

    Aaron Jones - Interim Chief Operating Officer

    Aaron Jones, the Interim Chief Operating Officer at Drury University, directs the daily administrative functions and campus infrastructure necessary for a high-functioning academic environment. Jones oversees facilities management, campus safety, and auxiliary services, ensuring that the physical and operational needs of the student body remain met. By coordinating with department heads, the Interim Chief Operating Officer streamlines internal processes to improve institutional efficiency. Aaron Jones manages the logistical aspects of campus life, from maintenance projects to operational support for evening and online programs. This leadership role involves implementing scalable solutions that support the university's growth objectives while maintaining a safe and productive atmosphere. Through the optimization of campus resources and the execution of operational policies, Jones ensures that the university functions effectively. Ultimately, the Interim Chief Operating Officer maintains the operational foundation required for academic success.

    Isabelle Woidela - Orginization President

    Isabelle Woidela, the Orginization President at Drury University, leads the strategic vision and organizational development of the institution. Woidela architects initiatives that enhance the university's reputation and market position within the competitive landscape of private liberal arts education. By fostering partnerships with external stakeholders and alumni, the Orginization President expands the reach of the university's academic programs. Isabelle Woidela directs the alignment of institutional culture with the core mission of providing accessible, high-quality education. This leadership role involves guiding the university through periods of change while maintaining a focus on student-centered outcomes. Through the implementation of long-term strategic plans, Woidela ensures that the institution remains responsive to evolving industry trends and student needs. Ultimately, the Orginization President drives the overarching growth and success of the university by championing innovation and academic excellence.

    Jeff Frederick - President

    Jeff Frederick, the President at Drury University, serves as the primary architect of the university's academic and community vision. Frederick directs the faculty and administrative leadership to ensure the delivery of a rigorous liberal arts education that meets the needs of modern students. By engaging with the broader community and regional partners, the President elevates the profile of the university. Jeff Frederick oversees the development of new academic programs and the expansion of online learning initiatives to broaden the institution's impact. This leadership role involves balancing the preservation of traditional academic values with the necessity of modernizing educational delivery. Through consistent communication with the Board of Trustees and the student body, Frederick maintains a cohesive strategy for institutional advancement. Ultimately, the President drives the university's commitment to fostering intellectual growth and professional readiness.
    Jeff Frederick

    John Beuerlein - President

    John Beuerlein, the President at Drury University, focuses on the advancement of institutional fundraising and donor relations to support the university's long-term goals. Beuerlein directs efforts to secure philanthropic support that funds scholarships, research, and campus improvements. By cultivating relationships with key donors and community leaders, the President strengthens the financial foundation of the institution. John Beuerlein collaborates with the development team to execute capital campaigns that align with the university's strategic priorities. This leadership role involves articulating the value of a liberal arts education to prospective supporters and ensuring that the university's mission resonates with a wide audience. Through the strategic management of external relations, Beuerlein ensures that the university possesses the resources necessary to thrive. Ultimately, the President drives the growth of the endowment and the expansion of institutional capacity.

    Rian Mulherin - President

    Rian Mulherin, the President at Drury University, manages the integration of technology and digital transformation across the university's academic and administrative platforms. Mulherin directs the modernization of learning management systems and the expansion of online educational infrastructure to reach a broader student demographic. By overseeing the implementation of data-driven decision-making tools, the President improves the efficiency of student services and academic tracking. Rian Mulherin collaborates with IT leadership to ensure that the university's technological capabilities support the evolving needs of the liberal arts curriculum. This leadership role involves identifying opportunities for digital innovation that enhance the student experience and streamline administrative workflows. Through the strategic deployment of technology, Mulherin ensures that the university remains competitive in an increasingly digital educational landscape. Ultimately, the President drives the technological advancement required to support modern academic excellence.

    Tim Cloyd - President

    Tim Cloyd, the President at Drury University, leads the development of global partnerships and international academic initiatives. Cloyd directs the expansion of study abroad programs and cross-cultural collaborations that enrich the student experience. By fostering connections with international institutions, the President broadens the university's global footprint and enhances the diversity of the campus community. Tim Cloyd oversees the alignment of international programs with the core liberal arts mission, ensuring that students gain a global perspective. This leadership role involves navigating international educational standards and building sustainable relationships with global partners. Through the promotion of internationalization, Cloyd ensures that the university prepares students for success in a globalized economy. Ultimately, the President drives the university's efforts to become a globally recognized center for liberal arts education and cross-cultural exchange.
    Tim Cloyd

    Alanis Ballester - President

    Alanis Ballester, the President at Drury University, focuses on student retention and the enhancement of the campus experience to ensure academic success. Ballester directs the implementation of student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and extracurricular engagement. By analyzing student performance data, the President identifies areas for improvement in the student journey. Alanis Ballester collaborates with faculty and student affairs staff to create a supportive environment that fosters personal and professional growth. This leadership role involves addressing the holistic needs of the student body, from mental health resources to career readiness programs. Through the development of comprehensive student success initiatives, Ballester ensures that the university maintains high graduation rates and student satisfaction. Ultimately, the President drives the university's commitment to providing a transformative and supportive educational experience for every student.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Drury University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Drury University?
    Drury University is led by Debbie O'Neal (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Aaron Jones (Interim Chief Operating Officer) and Isabelle Woidela (Orginization President).
    Who is part of Drury University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Drury University includes leaders such as Debbie O'Neal (Chief Financial Officer), Aaron Jones (Interim Chief Operating Officer), Isabelle Woidela (Orginization President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Drury University have?
    Drury University has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Drury University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Drury University includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Interim Chief Operating Officer, Orginization President, President, President.