Frontier Nursing University held an investiture ceremony on September 25 for President Dr. Brooke A. Flinders, DNP, RN, APRN-CNM, FACNM. The presidential investiture ceremony is a formal event that signifies the beginning of a new chapter of leadership for the university, and it provides an opportunity for the university, guests, and community to witness the formal installation of the new leader. Guests gathered for the event on Frontier’s campus in Versailles, Kentucky.| Frontier Nursing University
National Midwifery Week, observed Oct. 5 through 11, is a time to celebrate and recognize midwives and the value of midwifery-led care. In honor of this occasion, Frontier Nursing University is offering four new continuing education (CE) sessions during its Empower virtual event. Each session is free to attend and provides one hour of CE credit through FNU.| Frontier Nursing University
Dr. Joan Slager has lived the full Frontier Nursing University experience. As a student, she was part of Frontier’s first Community-based Nurse-Midwifery Education Program (CNEP) graduating class in 1991, led by fellow Alumni Hall of Fame inductee Kitty Ernst. As a practitioner, she precepted over 100 FNU students. As an instructor and administrator, she returned to Frontier, serving first as a faculty member and Director of the Doctor of Nursing Program, and then as the Dean of Nursing bef...| Frontier Nursing University
The history of Frontier Nursing University cannot be told without discussing the contributions, vision, and leadership of Kitty Ernst. Eunice Katherine “Kitty” Macdonald Ernst was born on July 21, 1926, in Waltham, Massachusetts, and became a dynamic and committed pioneer in midwifery education and practice. She was passionate about ensuring that all families receive the best possible care during pregnancy and birth. After graduating from the Waltham Hospital School of Nursing in Massachu...| Frontier Nursing University
FNU graduate Lauren Brannon has dedicated her career to championing accessible, affirming healthcare for underserved communities, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community. Brannon obtained a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialty from FNU. Brannon practices at Atrium Health Primary Care Northcross Family Medicine in Huntersville, North Carolina. Patients seek her out due to her expertise in gender-affirming care.| Frontier Nursing University
As a Doctor of Nursing Science, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Certified Nurse-Midwife, Dr. Pat Caudle was educated and prepared for most anything during her career as a nurse practitioner, full scope nurse-midwife, and instructor. But she wasn’t prepared for the call she received informing her that she was selected to be inducted into the Frontier Nursing University Alumni Hall of Fame.| Frontier Nursing University
Dr. Kerri Schuiling, PhD, NP emeritus, CNM (ret), FACNM, FAAN, was introduced to nursing at an early age. She was close to her maternal grandmother, who was a nurse and a social worker. Dr. Schuiling recalls her grandmother talking about caring for area families, particularly those living in poverty. She always spoke about the importance of supporting families and how by doing so it made the world a better place. “As long as I can remember, I always wanted to be a nurse,” Dr. Schuiling said.| Frontier Nursing University
FNU recognizes the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic Americans. We are proud to highlight the stories of our community members who embody the values of resilience, service and leadership. One of those individuals is Tanya Baca, DNP, CNM, PMHNP-BC, who is both an FNU graduate and faculty member. Dr. Baca’s path in healthcare began at just 15 years old, when a visit with her best friend’s mother, a nurse, sparked a passion for serving others.| Frontier Nursing University
The first step in solving a problem is understanding what the problem is. As Triana Boggs, APRN, CNM (Class 186), opened Motherland Birthing and Wellness LLC last year, she did so with first-hand knowledge of how it can help address the community’s needs. The middle of three children, Boggs was raised by a single mother. With limited resources available, the family relied on government assistance for everything from housing to food to healthcare. Her passion for community service and engage...| Frontier Nursing University
Frontier Nursing University offers a graduate Family Nurse Practitioner specialty track that can be pursued full- or part-time while completing a Master of Science in Nursing or a Post-Graduate Certificate. After earning an MSN or certificate, you have the option to continue on to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at FNU.| frontier.edu
Just one glance at Dr. Susan Stone’s history at Frontier Nursing University is all it takes to understand why she is a member of FNU’s first Alumni Hall of Fame inductees. Her more than three-decade journey at Frontier started in 1991 when she graduated as a nurse-midwife from FNU’s first distance learning class. She served as Dean from 2000-2014 and as President from 2001-2024, holding both positions simultaneously from 2001-2014. Today, as FNU President Emerita and FNU's Distinguished...| Frontier Nursing University
After more than four decades of dedication to nursing and over 20 years in academia, Frontier Nursing University’s Interim Dean of Nursing Dr. Diane John, PhD, ARNP, FNP-BC, retired from her full-time faculty position in August. Dr. John is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Associate Professor whose career reflects her unwavering commitment to service. She earned her master’s degree from Florida Atlantic University, followed by a PhD from Barry University. Since joining the ...| Frontier Nursing University
For the fifth consecutive year, Frontier Nursing University (FNU) has been recognized as one of the best universities in the nation to work for, according to the Great Colleges to Work For® program. The results, released today in a special insert of The Chronicle of Higher Education, are based on a survey of 199 colleges and universities. FNU was also named to the Great Colleges Honor Roll, a status granted to only 42 colleges each year who are highlighted most across the recognition categor...| Frontier Nursing University
In this year of centennial celebration of the founding of the Frontier Nursing Service, it is fitting to honor the pioneers who helped build the nursing service and lay the foundation for Frontier Nursing University. Mary Bristow Willeford (1900-1941) was one of the first nurse-midwives to join the Frontier Nursing Service in August of 1926 and became one of the first Assistant Directors of the organization, playing a key role in the development of the clinical nursing service and the univers...| Frontier Nursing University
Holding on to the Star: Celebrating 100 Years of the Frontier Nursing Service is a three-part series covering the history of Frontier Nursing University. In this series, we explore the Frontier Nursing Service’s history from 1925 to 2025 through a chronological journey, highlighting the enduring themes that capture both the core mission that FNS stakeholders have consistently embraced, and the many ways that the service has changed. Read about the "Pressing Need for an Innovative Educationa...| Frontier Nursing University
Holding on to the Star: Celebrating 100 Years of the Frontier Nursing Service is a three-part series covering the history of Frontier Nursing University. In this series, we explore the Frontier Nursing Service’s history from 1925 to 2025 through a chronological journey, highlighting the enduring themes that capture both the core mission that FNS stakeholders have consistently embraced, and the many ways that the service has changed. Read about The War Years, Major Changes for the FNS Commun...| Frontier Nursing University
In this article, we explore the Frontier Nursing Service’s history from 1925 to 2025 through a chronological journey, highlighting the enduring themes that capture both the core mission that FNS stakeholders have consistently embraced, and the many ways that the service has changed. Indeed, whether we examine FNS leaders’ and staff members’ goals and accomplishments in the early years or recent years, we see throughlines of a focus on rural health, a dedication to primary care of the fa...| Frontier Nursing University
At Frontier Nursing University, we take pride in the incredible achievements of our graduates who continue to make a difference in their communities. From leading innovative projects to advancing in their careers, their stories inspire and motivate the next generation of nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners. We invite you to read more about alumni news and faculty publications and presentations in the Quarterly Bulletin.| Frontier Nursing University
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony for Frontier’s campus in Versailles, Kentucky, was held in 2022. Since then, it has not taken long for campus to feel like home. The initial steps naturally focused on the buildings and the activities held within them. The dorms, classrooms, simulation labs, offices, library, dining hall, and President’s House were all carefully planned and designed to be functional, comfortable, and efficient. With those goals accomplished, Frontier began working on m...| Frontier Nursing University
Robyn E. Weller, CNM, MSN was a member of Class 33 of Frontier Nursing University’s Community-based Nurse-midwifery Education Program (CNEP). She took that education and training and turned it into a remarkable career. She has worked as a certified nurse-midwife for Kaiser Permanente in southern California for over 20 years. She is a successful published author, and she is passionate about participating in medical missions. Somehow, she still found time to answer our questions and share her...| Frontier Nursing University
Frontier Nursing University (FNU) has received the 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award from Insight Into Academia magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. The Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award is a measure of an institution’s individual programs and initiatives that significantly advance the core values of inclusive excellence and belonging through programs, initiatives, and many other campus priorities deserv...| Frontier Nursing University
FNU Preceptor Cassandra Klakken Viramontes, ARNP, FNP, provides care for area residents at the Grand Coulee Clinic in Washington. The clinic provides comprehensive health care, including family medicine, preventative care, and disease management, and is part of Coulee Medical Center, a 25-bed critical access hospital. Klakken Viramontes has precepted three Frontier Nursing University nurse practitioner students, along with multiple students from other universities. She said precepting is cons...| Frontier Nursing University
For Auriel Ciccarelli, CNM, WHNP, her journey in midwifery and women's healthcare began with a passion for service and a deep understanding of the value of community, both of which were rooted in her upbringing. Ciccarelli’s professional journey has taken her from working as an RN in her home state of Pennsylvania to working as a CNM and ultimately as a WHNP. Along the way, she’s carried with her the spirit of connection and support she found at FNU.| Frontier Nursing University
Frontier Nursing University will hold its 15th-annual Diversity Impact Conference on July 23-24. This year’s conference will be held on Zoom at no cost. The Diversity Impact Conference brings together renowned thought leaders and speakers to expand participant understanding on the topics of health equity and reducing health disparities in patient care delivery across healthcare settings. The theme of this year’s conference is “Rising Strong: Better Together to Advance Wellness Initia...| Frontier Nursing University
It is with extreme sorrow that we share the news of the passing of Dr. Michael Carter, who served as Chair of the Frontier Nursing University Board of Directors from 2009 to April 2025. Dr. Carter’s long history with Frontier Nursing University dates to 2003 when he joined what was then the Frontier Nursing Service Board of Governors. For more than fifteen years, Dr. Carter’s leadership was marked by his determination, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his extraordinary passion.| Frontier Nursing University
Frontier Nursing University offers a graduate Nurse-Midwifery specialty track that can be pursued full- or part-time while completing a Master of Science in Nursing or a Post-Graduate Certificate. After earning an MSN or certificate, you have the option to continue on to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program. FNU graduates nearly 40 percent of the nation's midwives. We are the oldest and largest continually operating nurse-midwifery education program in the U.S. More than 50% of FNU's 150+ f...| frontier.edu
Frontier Nursing University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program allows you to complete your MSN with the option to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. You have the option to become a nurse-midwife, family nurse practitioner, women’s health care nurse practitioner or psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner.| frontier.edu
Since stepping into her role as president of Frontier Nursing University last year, Dr. Brooke A. Flinders has prioritized connecting with the FNU community. In 2025, she kicked off a Presidential Tour in the southeast region of the United States and plans to travel across the country throughout the year to meet with FNU graduates who are transforming healthcare in their communities. Each stop offers an opportunity to witness firsthand the meaningful impact of our alumni in a variety of clini...| Frontier Nursing University
In an ongoing effort to improve community health and increase healthcare awareness through engaging conversations, Frontier Nursing University (FNU) has launched a new podcast — Real Talk: Community Health Care in Action. A community health initiative hosted in partnership with the Woodford County Chamber of Commerce, the monthly podcast premiered its first episode in April. Hosted by Quincy Fuehne, Strategic Communication and Public Relations Manager at FNU, the podcast dives into a specif...| Frontier Nursing University
The story of the mission and founding of the Frontier Nursing Service in 1925 shines a light on the importance of providing healthcare to areas where there is little if any access to care. Mary (Strubhar) Showalter, MSN, CNM (Class 39) is among the many Frontier graduates who have been inspired by the mission to serve the underserved. Showalter said that she chose to attend Frontier because of its community-based distance educational platform.| Frontier Nursing University
FNU graduate Brandi Milton, NP-C, has always been drawn to helping others. Inspired by her grandmother who was a nurse, she knew from a young age that she wanted to work in healthcare. Today, that passion has led her to establish her own wellness practice: Conqr Aesthetics & Wellness in Atlanta.| Frontier Nursing University
Ruth Beeman was born on January 10, 1925, in Harriston, Virginia. After graduating from high school, she entered the Army Nursing Corps in 1943, beginning a lifelong career in nursing. After her stint in the Army, she received a Diploma in Nursing from Baltimore General Hospital (1946), a Nurse Midwife Certificate from the Maternity Center Association School of Nurse-Midwifery in New York (1950), a B.S. in Public Health Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania (1950), a Diploma in Tropical...| Frontier Nursing University
Dr. Michael Carter’s long history with Frontier Nursing University dates to 2003 when he joined what was then the Frontier Nursing Service Board of Governors. Dr. Carter has been a board member ever since and has served as the Board Chair since 2009.| Frontier Nursing University
FNU’s clinical doctorate is designed for registered nurses who want to take their nursing career, leadership skills and clinical expertise to the next level. We offer different DNP degree paths to fit your goals.| frontier.edu
A focus on diverse, rural and underserved communities. At FNU, we exemplify the caring behaviors we hope to bring to the wider healthcare system. A Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) is an advanced practice nurse that specializes in continuing and comprehensive health care for women throughout their lives.| frontier.edu
In Frontier Nursing University’s Post-Graduate Certificate (PGC) program, you will expand your scope of practice while building skills in leadership, clinical scholarship, evidence-based practice and clinical evaluation. The PGC is an excellent option if you wish to specialize in an area not obtained in your original graduate studies.| frontier.edu
At FNU, we exemplify the caring behaviors we hope to bring to the wider healthcare system. A Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice nurse that seeks to improve mental health care and the overall health status of communities.| frontier.edu
Growing up in her hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Dr. Sandi Mellor, DNP (Class 30), APRN, FNP-BC, knew at a young age that she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare so she could “help people get healthy and stay healthy.” Determined to do just that, she took a medical-surgical nursing class while still in high school. After high school, she worked towards her associate degree in nursing and worked as a nurse for three years for the National Health Authority in Bedford, England, where her h...| Frontier Nursing University
Susan VanZandt, APRN, FNP-C, AG-ACNP, earned her MSN in FNU’s Family Nurse Practitioner program in 2018. VanZandt is a gastrointestinal (G.I.) hospitalist in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She has worked in both clinical and hospital settings and various urgent care facilities. VanZandt encounters patients with a spectrum of healthcare needs. From managing cardiovascular patients on anticoagulation with gastrointestinal bleeds to caring for those with alcoholic cirrhosis in need of urgent liver transplan...| Frontier Nursing University
FNU graduate Dr. Cheyenne Allen, DNP, PMHNP-BC, serves as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in private practice while also lending her expertise as undergraduate nursing faculty at Pennsylvania Western University. Her dual role allows her to not only provide direct care, but also to mold the next generation of mental health nursing professionals.| Frontier Nursing University
Frontier Nursing University preceptors carry forward our mission and play a significant role in shaping the dedicated nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners of tomorrow. To celebrate their invaluable contributions, our students nominate a preceptor to be recognized as the “featured preceptor of the term”. Here are six exceptional preceptors we’ve featured over the past year.| Frontier Nursing University
Frontier Nursing University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree and post-graduate certificates leading to education as a certified nurse-midwife (CNM), family nurse practitioner (FNP), women’s health care nurse practitioner (WHNP) and/or psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP).| frontier.edu
Since graduating from FNU in 2009, Tammie McDonald-Brouwer, CNM, WHNP, has spent the last 15 years compassionately serving the healthcare needs of women in her community. McDonald-Brouwer earned her MSN in Nurse-Midwifery and her Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate from FNU. Balancing her studies with raising four children, she said she appreciated the flexibility FNU offered, allowing her to complete her coursework from home.| Frontier Nursing University
The 2024 Frontier Courier Program Public Health Internship program will include eight college students from across the country. The program is a seven-week hybrid internship designed to meet the needs of today’s students. The program will have two phases: Remote Learning and In-Person observations. Students will begin in the county of their residence and then move to the FNU campus in Versailles, Kentucky, to complete their internship. When they arrive on the FNU campus, they will utilize w...| Frontier Nursing University
