Drury University Athletics

For only the second time in the 22 history of the Drury Sports Hall of Fame, a group of individuals will be inducted as one.  A trio of ladies who have been associated with and have supported the Drury athletic program since the late 60’s are being recognized for their loyal and ongoing support.  Being inducted in the category of “Lifetime Achievement” for their support of Drury athletics are Sharon Barber, Jeanine Scott Campbell and Rosemary McMasters.  In all, nearly 150 years of emotional, financial support and service in every way has been provided by these three ladies.  Their efforts has endeared them to countless student-athletes, coaches and administrators.  They have been instrumental in helping athletic causes for decades, having supported of the growth of Drury Athletics over the years.  Drury sponsored only six intercollegiate sports when these ladies became part of the Drury family.  That family has grown into a department that now sponsors 19 intercollegiate sports.  This group of three has been at its side every step of the way.

Jeanine Scott Campbell is a native Springfieldian and a graduate of Central High School.  Her life-long love of the sport of basketball began while in high school and in the ‘70s it grew into a “passion”. Her son, David, then a student at Drury started getting her Panther basketball tickets during that time and that is were an incredible run of support was born.  Since that time Jeanine may have missed a game or two, but she honestly cannot remember missing a Drury home game since the 1979 NAIA National Championship season.  At that moment she was hooked on basketball, especially Drury basketball.  Jeanine has not missed a Lady Panther home game since its inception and has rarely missed any road games.  That has only occurred when the Panthers/Lady Panthers play at different locations.  From Houghton, Michigan to Fort Lauderdale, Florida; from Erie, Pennsylvania to Honolulu, Hawaii.  If there was Panther or Lady Panther basketball, Jeanine was there.  “I just love the game of basketball and I have come to love Drury basketball more and more each year.  I have always said it is important to find your passion. Once you do, follow it 100 percent.”  Her love for Drury basketball has been a family affair for three generations.  Jeanine has three children (Alice, Dave and Dan) and three grandchildren.  Her two sons graduated from Drury, along with daughter-in-law, Lori. Dave and Lori’s daughter, Christa, earned her degree from Drury in 2013.  A constant theme is woven throughout the generations and throughout the lives of each of these ladies’ three personal stories.  Family.  Asked “Why Drury?” Jeanine’s answer is brief, yet profound: “Once I became acquainted with the Drury coaches, the staff, the fans, and most importantly the kids...it was like family.”