Three incidents of suspicious people reported on Drury’s campus
Campus News November 19, 2025, Comments OffIn the span of one week, a total of three suspicious people were reported on Drury University’s campus, including one case of an individual attempting to enter a residential building.
In the first email, campus security requested that the Drury community contact them if any students spotted an individual. Security already knew the man’s identity, but they needed confirmation that he was on campus grounds. He was not considered a threat.
The second email brought attention to an individual attempting to “piggyback” into one of campus’ residential buildings. This term refers to the allowance of unauthorized access to secure buildings, often through students holding the door open. The individual attempting to enter was not given access, and the community responded quickly. Springfield police trespassed the man off campus. Drury security continues to advocate for students to be mindful when entering buildings and not to engage in “piggybacking”.
The final email warned of another individual who was not friendly when confronted by security. He was issued a trespass warning. Drury security asked the community to immediately call security if the man was spotted on campus.
The Mirror interviewed Candy Cornman, the director of campus security, about the earlier incidents. The three individuals were not immediate threats. Cornman sent the three emails mainly because these individuals became aggressive or attempted to enter buildings.
These incidents highlight several safety concerns on Drury University’s campus. With the presence of homeless camps and unsheltered individuals nearby, there are perceptions that this may increase the risk of disturbances and unauthorized access to campus buildings.
As previously seen, the drop of temperatures often drives more individuals experiencing homelessness to come upon campus as they seek warmth and protection from the elements. Cornman states, “This level of activity is not necessarily higher than usual, but more likely related to the current weather conditions and the nearby camp’s population increase.”
In Cornman’s opinion, the amount of homeless people wandering campus could become a trend. Drury security is actively monitoring the situation and will take the necessary safety procedures moving forward.
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