The University of Missouri Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Latha Ramchand announced that Cooper Drury has been named the new dean of the MU College of Arts and Science. Drury has served as interim dean of the college since June 2021, following the departure of Patricia Okker.

The appointment is effective May 13, 2022.

“In all of the many roles in which Cooper Drury has served the university, he has demonstrated his commitment and dedication to the College of Arts and Science and Mizzou,” Ramchand said. “Recently, he emerged from a strong group of finalists as the clear choice of faculty, staff, and campus leaders from both inside and outside of the college.

While serving as interim dean, Dr. Drury demonstrated his abilities to listen, communicate and collaborate with others. He cares deeply about the success of the college’s faculty, staff and students, and his advocacy for the value of the arts and sciences has resonated with donors and board members. – Provost Ramchand

Drury joined MU’s faculty in 2002 and assumed his first administrative role as chair of the Department of Political Science, now part of the Truman School of Government and Public Affairs. Since then, Drury has served as associate dean, senior associate dean, and interim dean of the College of Arts and Science. While serving as interim dean, Drury launched the College of Arts and Science’s fellows and writing group programs to stimulate research and creative work, among other initiatives. Drury has served on the MU Faculty Council and the Intercampus Faculty Council and has led numerous campus and system-level committees.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to lead the College of Arts and Science into the future. The work our faculty, staff and students do to advance our understanding of the natural world and the human condition is critically important to the lives of all Missourians and our entire global society. I am optimistic about our future because of the amazing teaching and research we do in A&S,” Drury said.

Drury received a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in international relations from Michigan State University and a doctorate in political science from Arizona State University.

Drury’s research focuses on foreign policy, particularly decisions leading to and consequences of economic sanctions. He has authored or co-authored two books, an award-winning textbook, and over two dozen articles and chapters. Drury has trained 25 doctoral students and has been awarded multiple teaching and mentorship awards. In his field, Drury served as editor-in-chief of Foreign Policy Analysis, the 2016 International Studies Association program co-chair, and has received three awards — the Foreign Policy Analysis Distinguished Scholar Award, the Quincy Wright Distinguished Scholar Award and the Ladd Hollist Service Award.