A slurry is made including water, at least 50% by weight calcium sulfate hemihydrate, and a specific polycarboxylate dispersant prepared using at least three repeating units. A first repeating unit is a vinyl ether-type repeating unit. A second repeating unit includes a maleic acid-type repeating unit. A third repeating unit includes an acrylic acid-type repeating unit. The polymer dispersant has a molecular weight of from about 20,000 to about 80,000 Daltons. The slurry made from this composition can be made at reduced water levels to speed drying and reduce drying costs.