Drury University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Leadership Roles at Drury University

  • Chief Financial Officer - Debbie O'Neal
  • Interim Chief Operating Officer - Aaron Jones
  • Orginization President - Isabelle Woidela
  • President - Rian Mulherin
  • President - Tim Cloyd
  • President - Jeffrey Frederick
  • President - Alanis Ballester
  • President - John Beuerlein
  • 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. Overseeing the university budget, O'Neal directs resource allocation across all academic departments and administrative units. This leadership role involves monitoring endowment performance and ensuring compliance with federal and state financial regulations. By optimizing operational expenditures, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of online and evening programs. Debbie O'Neal also collaborates with the Board of Trustees to align capital investments with the strategic vision of the university. Through rigorous financial planning, O'Neal secures the necessary funding for campus infrastructure and faculty development. The Chief Financial Officer maintains transparency in all fiscal reporting, providing the foundation for institutional growth. Ultimately, O'Neal ensures that the university remains a competitive private liberal arts institution within the broader Midwestern educational landscape.

    Aaron Jones - Interim Chief Operating Officer

    Aaron Jones, the Interim Chief Operating Officer at Drury University, directs the daily administrative functions and campus operations. Managing facilities, information technology, and human resources, Jones ensures that the physical and digital infrastructure supports the academic mission. This leadership role involves streamlining internal processes to improve efficiency across undergraduate and graduate programs. By coordinating with department heads, the Interim Chief Operating Officer facilitates cross-functional collaboration to enhance the student experience. Aaron Jones also oversees the implementation of campus-wide safety protocols and sustainability initiatives. Through the management of auxiliary services, Jones optimizes the use of university assets to drive operational excellence. The Interim Chief Operating Officer monitors performance metrics to identify areas for improvement in service delivery. Ultimately, Jones provides the structural stability required for the university to thrive in a competitive higher education market.

    Isabelle Woidela - Orginization President

    Isabelle Woidela, the Orginization President at Drury University, guides the strategic direction and institutional culture of the university. Overseeing the alignment of academic programs with market demands, Woidela drives initiatives that enhance the reputation of the institution. This leadership role involves engaging with alumni, donors, and community partners to secure support for the liberal arts mission. By fostering an inclusive campus environment, the Orginization President promotes student retention and success. Isabelle Woidela also collaborates with the faculty senate to advance pedagogical innovation and research excellence. Through the development of long-term growth strategies, Woidela ensures that the university remains a leader in private education. The Orginization President represents the institution in regional and national forums, advocating for the value of a liberal arts degree. Ultimately, Woidela shapes the future trajectory of the university through visionary leadership and commitment to academic integrity.

    Rian Mulherin - President

    Rian Mulherin, the President at Drury University, leads the executive team in executing the core mission of providing high-quality liberal arts education. Overseeing the implementation of the strategic plan, Mulherin directs efforts to expand the reach of online and evening programs. This leadership role involves maintaining strong relationships with the Board of Trustees and external stakeholders to ensure institutional stability. By championing academic rigor, the President fosters an environment where students achieve professional success. Rian Mulherin also manages the university brand, positioning the institution as a premier choice for students seeking a comprehensive education. Through the oversight of enrollment management, Mulherin drives growth in the student population. The President evaluates institutional performance against key benchmarks to ensure continuous improvement. Ultimately, Mulherin secures the long-term viability of the university by balancing tradition with modern educational needs.

    Tim Cloyd - President

    Tim Cloyd, the President at Drury University, focuses on the advancement of the university through innovative academic partnerships and community engagement. Overseeing the development of new degree programs, Cloyd directs the expansion of the curriculum to meet evolving industry requirements. This leadership role involves cultivating relationships with regional business leaders to create internship and career opportunities for students. By promoting the value of the liberal arts, the President enhances the visibility of the university in the broader educational sector. Tim Cloyd also leads fundraising efforts to support scholarships and campus improvements. Through the coordination of academic and administrative teams, Cloyd ensures that the university delivers a cohesive student experience. The President monitors the competitive landscape to identify opportunities for differentiation. Ultimately, Cloyd drives the institutional mission by fostering a culture of excellence and community impact.
    Tim Cloyd

    Jeffrey Frederick - President

    Jeffrey Frederick, the President at Drury University, oversees the academic and administrative operations to ensure the delivery of a high-quality liberal arts education. Directing the faculty and staff, Frederick promotes a culture of scholarly inquiry and student-centered learning. This leadership role involves managing the university budget and ensuring that resources are allocated to support the most impactful programs. By engaging with the local community, the President strengthens the connection between the university and the regional economy. Jeffrey Frederick also leads the strategic planning process, setting goals for enrollment growth and academic achievement. Through the oversight of student services, Frederick ensures that the campus environment supports the holistic development of every student. The President represents the university in national academic associations, advocating for the importance of private liberal arts institutions. Ultimately, Frederick guides the university toward a future of sustained growth and academic distinction.
    Jeffrey Frederick

    Alanis Ballester - President

    Alanis Ballester, the President at Drury University, manages the institutional strategy and external relations to bolster the university's market position. Overseeing the marketing and communications departments, Ballester directs efforts to attract a diverse student body to undergraduate and graduate programs. This leadership role involves collaborating with the faculty to integrate technology into the classroom, enhancing the learning experience. By fostering partnerships with other educational institutions, the President expands the reach of the university's academic offerings. Alanis Ballester also monitors the financial performance of the university, ensuring that investments align with long-term goals. Through the leadership of the executive team, Ballester drives the implementation of policies that promote equity and inclusion. The President evaluates the effectiveness of academic programs to ensure they meet the needs of the modern workforce. Ultimately, Ballester secures the university's legacy as a leader in liberal arts education.

    John Beuerlein - President

    John Beuerlein, the President at Drury University, directs the long-term vision and operational strategy of the institution. Overseeing the development of campus facilities and academic resources, Beuerlein ensures that the university provides a modern environment for learning. This leadership role involves working with the Board of Trustees to secure the financial future of the university through endowment growth and strategic fundraising. By championing the liberal arts, the President maintains the core identity of the institution while adapting to changing educational trends. John Beuerlein also leads the recruitment and retention efforts, focusing on attracting high-achieving students. Through the management of administrative departments, Beuerlein ensures that the university operates efficiently and effectively. The President represents the institution in public forums, highlighting the contributions of the university to the regional community. Ultimately, Beuerlein drives the university toward continued success and academic excellence.

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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.