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
Frontier Nursing University’s Culture of Caring focuses on how members of the university treat and value one another. To a large degree, FNU has adopted the same caring approach to the Versailles, Kentucky, campus it calls home. When Frontier purchased the Versailles property in 2017 and began construction and renovations soon after, it did so with emphasis on efficiency and conservation. Led by the university’s Environmental Stewardship Committee, Frontier also implemented “no mow” z...| 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
Members of the Frontier Nursing University (FNU) community recently gathered on campus for the unveiling of a new sculpture honoring FNU's century of service and education, as well as its ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality education that prepares nurses to become nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners who work with all people, with an emphasis on rural and underserved communities. The sculpture, crafted by Kentucky artist Christine Kuhn, depicts a horse, a symbol emblematic of FNU.| 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
This conference brings together renowned thought leaders and speakers to increase awareness of the importance of achieving health equity and reducing health disparities in patient care delivery across healthcare settings.| frontier.edu
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
A Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) is an advanced practice nurse who manages the healthcare of individuals and their families by providing preventive and primary care, promoting health and wellbeing, and helping their patients manage chronic conditions. FNPs conduct routine checkups and assessments, order and interpret tests, make diagnoses, prescribe medications, and initiate and manage treatment plans for their patients.| frontier.edu
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
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
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+ faculty are Certified Nurse-Midwives. A Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) is a primary health care provider to women of all ages throughout their lives.| 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
This summer, Frontier Nursing University welcomed eight college students from across the country to its Courier Program Public Health Internship, a seven-week fully remote service-learning program with a rich and adventuresome history. The program is for college students with an interest in public health, healthcare, social work, or a related field. The Courier Program Internship offers a unique opportunity for students to gain insight into the challenges and opportunities of providing health...| 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
Maggie Wilk is a two-time graduate of FNU, obtaining both her DNP and PMHNP-BC. She is a U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps officer stationed at Perry Point (Md.) VA Medical Center working as a PMHNP. Wilk has earned much recognition, including being named an American Psychiatric Nurses Association 2022 Board of Directors Student Scholar and receiving the 2021 NIH Director’s Award. Wilk works in a fast-paced outpatient setting providing much-needed mental health care.| Frontier Nursing University
Married physicians Drs. Susan Graham, MD, and Jon Kucera, MD, understand the importance of quality healthcare and the challenging lack of access that many people face. Dr. Graham is a cardiologist and Dr. Kucera is an Internist. Both have over 35 years of experience and practice primarily in Buffalo, New York.| 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
In the world of healthcare, there are individuals who go beyond their job descriptions to make a lasting impact on their patients and the next generation of professionals. Deena Parsons, CNM, with TriHealth Associates in Ob-Gyn, is one such individual. Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, Parsons has devoted more than a decade to serving women of all ages at her practice, from teens to postmenopausal individuals, providing compassionate care in all stages of their lives.| 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
