When students past and present think ‘Drury,’ it is likely that a few themes come to mind–community, friendship, connections, close-knit and engaging–and these attributes are part of the unique identity that Drury University is known for. However, most students are unlikely to cite Drury as being a strictly ‘Christian’ college, although it was founded heavily on the values of the Congregationalist Christian ministry in 1873. 

Despite its historical affiliation with the Christian church, Drury students from all faiths and backgrounds are encouraged to find, challenge and explore their beliefs and perception of religion and divinity.

Drury’s Chaplain

Drury has several faculty, professors and staff that can help students find their way. Drury’s Chaplain, Dr. Peter Browning, has played one of the most important roles at the university by giving students guidance, support and resources throughout their journey to explore their own spirituality and beliefs, and those of other people. 

Dr. Browning has been the Chaplain at Drury since 1991, and is widely viewed as an integral part of the faith community. He emphasizes the importance of learning about faith and students’ sense of ‘self’ throughout their college journey.

“College is a time when we grow in knowledge and understanding of the world, but it is also a stage in life when we get to ask big questions.  Who are we? What is our purpose? What do we believe most deeply? Which values best express our identity?” Dr. Browning explained. 

Stone Chapel (Photo via drury.edu)

These questions may be hard to answer, but can lead to broader discussions about religion, faith, and beliefs that one most closely identifies with. Once students begin to seek the answers to these questions, they may also seek out resources and communities to more closely engage with these challenging topics. 

Finding a faith in community

Dr. Browning pointed out that there is a multitude of options to develop one’s spiritual and/or religious identity on Drury’s campus.

“On Tuesdays, the chapel and lunch program is at noon in the Stone Chapel Lounge. That same evening, the Vine meets at 7:30 p.m. in the Diversity Center (the old Washington Avenue Baptist Church), and every other Wednesday at 8 p.m. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes meets in the O’Reilly Family Event Center. The Matthew 25 Project has a first-Wednesday of the month noon spiritual TED Talk called “Life Talks” which typically meets in the FSC President’s Dining Room,” Browning suggested.

He continued, “Catholic Campus Ministry has many activities throughout the week at their center on Holland Street, and the Philosophy Club, which meets every other Monday at 4 p.m. in the Stone Chapel Lounge, offers conversations on ethics, philosophy, religion and other intellectual topics throughout the year.”

Genevieve Travers leads musical worship at Drury’s Tuesday chapel, and is active in many of these groups. She believes she has found great connections in the faith community at Drury, and would recommend them to anyone looking to enhance their experience in college.

“This campus offers wonderful opportunities to help students grow in faith, including Faith and Food, Matthew 25, and The Vine. These resources have helped me grow in my faith immensely and have allowed me to meet some wonderful people along the way!” Travers said.

Regardless of where students are in their understanding of the world around them, religion or spirituality, it is clear that Drury has a host of resources and support available. 

If you have questions or want to get involved, contact the office of Dr. Browning, Chaplain, in Pearson’s Hall Room 308 or through email at pbrowning@drury.edu. 

Written by Olive Thompson.