It is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of Dr. Rabindra Roy, who served Drury University with distinction for 50 years.

Dr. Roy received his bachelor’s, master’s, and Doctor of Science degrees from Jadavpur University in India and earned his Ph.D. at Louisiana State University in 1966 before joining Drury’s Department of Chemistry. Throughout his remarkable career, he served as the Otto Charles Egdorf Professor of Pre-Medical Science, Chemistry Department Chair, Walter H. Hoffman Distinguished Research Professor of Chemistry, and was a Camille and Henry Dreyfus Scholar.

During his tenure, Dr. Roy developed an innovative model for undergraduate research that trained over 700 future scientists and healthcare professionals. His passion for science education extended beyond Drury when in 1995, he and his wife, Dr. Protima Roy, founded Hem Sheela Model School in Durgapur, India, which has grown to enroll more than 5,000 students across two campuses. In 2007, they also established a tribal school for first-generation learners.

Dr. Roy’s scientific contributions were extraordinary—securing grants and contracts totaling over $4.5 million, publishing more than 150 papers in peer-reviewed journals, and presenting 485 scientific works at conferences worldwide. His excellence was recognized with the American Chemical Society National Award for Research at an Undergraduate Institution and the Most Distinguished Scientist Award from the Missouri Academy of Science.

Dr. Roy’s life was well-lived. He influenced thousands of students, collaborated with Nobel Laureates, and even had an audience with Mother Teresa. The impact of his life’s work will continue to resonate throughout our institution and beyond for generations to come.

Dr Rabindra Roy is survived by his wife, Dr. Protima Roy, a retired professor at Drury, along with many family members, friends and countless admirers. A memorial service to honor Dr. Roy’s legacy will be held at Drury University at a later date.