Drury University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Dedicated to academic excellence, Drury University fosters a transformative liberal arts environment that prepares students for professional success through rigorous undergraduate, graduate, and online programs across diverse global markets.

Leadership Roles at Drury University

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

    Debbie O'Neal, the Chief Financial Officer at Drury University, manages the entire fiscal health of the institution. Overseeing budget allocations, endowment growth, and long-term capital planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the university maintains robust financial stability. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board of Trustees to align resource distribution with the strategic mission of the liberal arts curriculum. By optimizing operational expenditures and diversifying revenue streams, Debbie O'Neal directly impacts the ability of the university to invest in modern campus infrastructure and faculty development. The Chief Financial Officer also monitors compliance with federal and state educational funding regulations. Through rigorous financial analysis and transparent reporting, O'Neal secures the necessary capital to support the expansion of online and evening programs, ultimately strengthening the competitive market position of the institution within the higher education sector.

    Aaron Jones - Interim Chief Operating Officer

    Aaron Jones, the Interim Chief Operating Officer at Drury University, directs the daily administrative functions and campus infrastructure requirements. Overseeing facilities management, information technology integration, and auxiliary services, the Interim Chief Operating Officer ensures seamless operational continuity across all academic departments. This leadership role involves streamlining internal processes to enhance student services and faculty productivity. By implementing efficient campus-wide systems, Aaron Jones directly supports the delivery of high-quality liberal arts education. The Interim Chief Operating Officer also collaborates with academic leadership to align physical campus resources with the evolving needs of online and evening learners. Through proactive management of institutional assets and vendor partnerships, Jones maintains a safe, functional, and technologically advanced environment. This focus on operational excellence allows the university to scale its educational offerings effectively while maintaining the core values of the institution.

    Alanis Ballester - President

    Alanis Ballester, the President at Drury University, architects the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire institution. Overseeing academic innovation, community engagement, and institutional advancement, the President ensures alignment with the mission of providing a comprehensive liberal arts education. This leadership role involves representing the university to external stakeholders, donors, and regional partners to secure long-term growth. By fostering a culture of academic rigor and inclusive excellence, Alanis Ballester directly impacts the reputation and student outcomes of the university. The President also guides the development of new graduate and online programs to meet shifting market demands. Through collaborative governance with the Board of Trustees and faculty leadership, Ballester drives initiatives that enhance the global reach and local impact of the institution. This commitment to visionary leadership ensures the university remains a premier destination for students seeking transformative educational experiences.

    Tim Cloyd - President

    Tim Cloyd, the President at Drury University, directs the expansion of academic partnerships and institutional research initiatives. Overseeing the development of interdisciplinary programs and faculty-led research projects, the President ensures the university remains at the forefront of liberal arts innovation. This leadership role involves cultivating relationships with industry leaders to create experiential learning opportunities for students. By prioritizing academic excellence and student-centered pedagogy, Tim Cloyd directly impacts the intellectual growth and career readiness of the student body. The President also manages the integration of new technology into the classroom to support diverse learning modalities. Through strategic planning and resource mobilization, Cloyd strengthens the academic foundation of the university. This focus on high-impact educational practices ensures that the institution continues to produce graduates capable of navigating complex professional landscapes while upholding the values of the liberal arts tradition.
    Tim Cloyd

    Jeffrey Frederick - President

    Jeffrey Frederick, the President at Drury University, executes the long-term enrollment strategy and student success initiatives. Overseeing admissions, student life, and career development services, the President ensures a holistic approach to the student experience. This leadership role involves analyzing demographic trends and market data to attract a diverse and talented student population. By enhancing student support systems and extracurricular engagement, Jeffrey Frederick directly impacts retention rates and overall student satisfaction. The President also coordinates with the academic leadership team to ensure that curriculum offerings remain relevant to current workforce needs. Through effective communication and community building, Frederick fosters a vibrant campus culture that reflects the mission of the university. This dedication to student-centric leadership ensures that the institution provides a supportive environment where learners can thrive academically and personally throughout their educational journey.
    Jeffrey Frederick

    John Beuerlein - President

    John Beuerlein, the President at Drury University, drives the philanthropic efforts and alumni relations programs. Overseeing fundraising campaigns, donor stewardship, and alumni engagement, the President ensures the financial sustainability of the university through private support. This leadership role involves building strong networks with graduates and community leaders to secure the future of the institution. By articulating the value of a liberal arts education, John Beuerlein directly impacts the ability of the university to fund scholarships and campus improvements. The President also manages the development of outreach programs that connect the university with broader regional and national networks. Through consistent engagement and transparent communication, Beuerlein strengthens the bond between the institution and its supporters. This focus on building a robust support system ensures that the university has the necessary resources to maintain its commitment to academic excellence and student success.

    Isabelle Woidela - Orginization President

    Isabelle Woidela, the Orginization President at Drury University, manages the internal governance and organizational structure of the university. Overseeing policy development, committee coordination, and administrative alignment, the Orginization President ensures that all departments operate in accordance with the mission of the institution. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between faculty, staff, and the executive team to promote a cohesive working environment. By streamlining internal governance processes, Isabelle Woidela directly impacts the efficiency and agility of the university. The Orginization President also monitors the implementation of strategic initiatives to ensure that institutional goals are met within established timelines. Through careful oversight of organizational health and culture, Woidela supports a collaborative atmosphere that encourages innovation and excellence. This focus on structural integrity ensures that the university remains well-positioned to adapt to the changing landscape of higher education while maintaining its core values.

    Rian Mulherin - President

    Rian Mulherin, the President at Drury University, leads the digital transformation and online education expansion. Overseeing the development of virtual learning platforms, digital marketing strategies, and remote student support services, the President ensures the university reaches a broader audience. This leadership role involves integrating advanced educational technology to enhance the accessibility and quality of online programs. By prioritizing digital innovation, Rian Mulherin directly impacts the growth of the online and evening student population. The President also collaborates with academic departments to ensure that online curricula meet the same high standards as traditional programs. Through strategic investment in digital infrastructure, Mulherin positions the university as a leader in flexible, modern education. This focus on expanding the digital footprint of the institution ensures that learners across various geographies can access the high-quality liberal arts education provided by the university.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    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 Alanis Ballester (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), Alanis Ballester (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, President, President, President.