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David Hinson helped lead Drury’s master plan that seeks to refresh campus facilities. 
SBJ File
David Hinson helped lead Drury’s master plan that seeks to refresh campus facilities. 

Drury chief of staff resigns

Posted online

After five years with Drury University, David Hinson has stepped down from his role as chief of staff, chief operating officer and chief information officer. 

He was responsible for strategic vision and information infrastructure and software on campus, as well as enrollment management, technology and online education, and university operations. He helped guide the university on a 25-year master plan to refresh campus facilities that began in late 2017. 

“With the new C.H. ‘Chub’ O’Reilly Enterprise Center coming out of the ground and the master plan seeing its first tangible benefits, that seemed like a good time,” Hinson said of his departure June 14. “We’re at a place where things look like they are going to return to normal in the fall because of the pandemic.  

“I really did want to make sure I left Drury in a good place and on good terms, and that certainly is the case.” 

Hinson would not disclose the name of the company he’s now working with but said it’s a nationwide company working in higher education and technology. His LinkedIn profile has not been updated with a new employer. 

“It was really something I wasn’t looking for. I was approached by the company,” said Hinson, noting he’ll remain in Springfield for the role as his son is still in high school. “I’ll be working with cabinet-level higher education leaders and with governments related to technology.” 

Drury spokesperson Mike Brothers said Hinson’s role will be divided among existing campus leadership. Executive Vice President and Provost Beth Harville will take on chief of staff duties and Val Serafimov, who was recently promoted to vice president of technology services, will take on CIO responsibilities.  

Brothers said human resources will now report to Chief Financial Officer Chelsey Dollarhide and marketing and communications will report to Executive Vice President of Enrollment Management Kevin Kropf. 

He said Drury President Tim Cloyd has indicated Hinson’s role could not be filled “one-to-one” and it would be shared with a capable leadership team. 

“We’ve all been through a trial by fire over the past year, and the team has really worked well together,” Brothers said. 

Hinson had previously worked at Hendrix College when Cloyd was president of the Conway, Arkansas, school.  

“We’ve known each other 45 years,” Hinson said of Cloyd. “We’re a really good complimentary team.” 

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