FNU Quarterly Bulletin Summer 2020, Volume 95, Number 2

FRONTIER NURSING UNIVERSITY | VOL. 95, NUMBER 2 | SUMMER 2020

QUARTERLY BULLETIN

DIVERSITY EQUITY INCLUSION

Frontier Nursing University Donates Hyden Campus to Leslie County On September 10, FNU announced that it had donated its campus in Hyden, Kentucky, to Leslie County. The gift includes all land and buildings, a value of which is nearly two million dollars. The property, which has been home to FNU since its founding as the Frontier Graduate School of Midwifery in 1939, has been accepted by the County, which has many ideas for how to best utilize the property for the good of the community. The decision to make the goodwill offer was made by the FNU Board of Directors at its meeting on July 22.

“We are proud of our roots in Leslie County, and it will always be our treasured birthplace,” FNU President Dr. Susan Stone said. “This gratitude and respect for our birthplace led the Frontier Nursing University

Board of Directors to make the decision at our July Board Meeting to honor Mary Breckinridge and the history of our institution by offering the Hyden, Kentucky, campus to Leslie County as a gift of goodwill. The county officials have graciously accepted this gift on behalf of the people of Leslie County, and we are confident that they will do wonderful things to support the community with the property.”

FNU is finalizing construction on its new campus in Versailles, Kentucky. The land, which was purchased in 2017, was the former home of The United Methodist Children’s Home.

The new 67-acre campus maintains FNU’s presence in a rural county while providing more space to serve FNU’s more than 2,300 students.

Susan Stone, DNSc, CNM, FAAN, FACNM President Joan Slager, CNM, DNP, FACNM Dean of Nursing Shelley Aldridge, BA Chief Operations Officer Angela Bailey, MA, CFRE Chief Advancement Officer Michael Steinmetz, CPA, CMA, CSCA Executive Vice President for Finance and Facilities Geraldine Young, DNP, APRN, FNPBC, CDE, FAANP Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Rachel Mack, Ph.D., DNP, APRN, C-FNP, CNE Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Tonya Nicholson, DNP, CNM, WHNP-BC, CNE, FACNM Department Chair of Midwifery and Women’s Health Lisa Chappell, Ph.D., FNP-BC Department Chair of Family Nursing

“We are proud of our roots in Leslie County, and it will always be our treasured birthplace.”

-FNU President Dr. Susan Stone

Jess Calohan, DNP, PMHNP-BC Department Chair of PsychiatricMental Health Jane Houston, DNP, CNM DNP Director Jacquelyne Brooks, DNP, MS ADN-MSN Bridge Director

From the President

Contents From the President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Response to Our National Distress . . . . . . 2 10th Annual Diversity Impact Conference . 3 Diversity Impact Reflections . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Dr. Geraldine Young . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6 HEED Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8 DOIT Certification Program . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 FNU News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 COVID-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Alumni Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-16 Alumni Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-19 Alumni Spotlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-24 News and Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25-27

Dear friends, We can all agree that 2020 has been a year filled with challenges. The COVID-19 Pandemic turned our world upside down in March.

Then, this summer, sparked by several unconscionable acts of racial violence, our nation renewed its focus on social justice, and racial disparities. As we enter the fall and a presidential election, both the pandemic and racial equality continue to dominate the news and impact our lives.

In the spring issue of the Quarterly Bulletin, we addressed the pandemic and the role many FNU graduates have in treating those afflicted with COVID-19. This issue shares a few more of those stories as well as highlighting the tremendous accomplishments of our students, alumni, and faculty. Primarily, however, this issue focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). It is a timely look at FNU’s DEI initiatives and events, such as the 10th annual Diversity Impact Conference held this summer. We also share thoughts and responses to the national social justice movement, give you a chance to learn more about Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Dr. Geraldine Young, and introduce you to our newest members of the Board of Directors, Dr. Maria Small.

With both the pandemic and the social justice movement, FNU endeavors to be part of the solution and will share more with you as we continue this vital work. We hope to prepare our graduates to be effective agents in the fight against COVID-19.

We hope the entire FNU community sets an example and is a leader for change in racial equality and social justice in our country. We invite you to learn more about our efforts and intentions in these pages and to join us in the necessary discussions and actions to improve the equality and overall health of our nation.

Thank you,

In Memoriam / Tributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Trustees/ Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . 29

Susan Stone, CNM, DNSc., FACNM, FAAN

Susan Stone, CNM, DNSc, FAAN, FACNM

Frontier Nursing University • Quarterly Bulletin 1

FNU’s Focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Response to Our National Distress

By Dr. Susan Stone Dear Frontier Community, Frontier Nursing University is saddened, angered, and troubled by the recent horrific and unacceptable events in our country.

In recent years, FNU has dedicated an issue of the Quarterly Bulletin to coverage of the university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Included in the following pages are updates on our programs and initiatives and an introduction to Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Dr. Geraldine Young. In light of the social justice events and discussions that have been such a focal point of 2020, however, we begin this DEI coverage by sharing FNU President Dr. Susan Stone’s message to the FNU community in response to our national distress.

The message throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic has been that we will all get through this together. However, recent events have provided a glaring reminder that, unfortunately, in many ways, we remain very divided. Deep racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic inequities exist in our country. The killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, David McAtee, and so many others across this country at the hands of those who are supposed to protect us are indicators that we have a very long way to go in our efforts to eradicate systemic racism.

For many years people of color have been plagued with disproportionate healthcare outcomes due to health inequities and the social determinants of health. African American women are far more likely to suffer maternal mortality than white women. Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic, African Americans have immensely suffered at a higher rate than any other races.

We know that with the availability of resources in the United States, these disparities are inexcusable and correctable, as is the violence against African Americans in this country. We recognize the disparities in access to quality education and healthcare available to rural, diverse, and underserved populations.

The acts of violence against African Americans are reminders that disparities go well beyond education and healthcare. Inequities are witnessed in the daily lives of underrepresented populations but most glaringly for those of the African American community. We know that structural racism causes inequities, and the results may lead to substandard living conditions, lack of access to quality education and healthcare, inhumane treatment, and death.

We oppose injustice and cruelty and condemn racism in all its forms. We support peaceful protests and demonstrations and join all those working to end systemic racism, racial violence, and police brutality. We are committed to building a culture that is inclusive and caring for all.

Sincerely,

Susan Stone, CNM, DNSc, FAAN, FACNM

Susan Stone, CNM, DNSc., FACNM, FAAN

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FNU Holds 10th Annual Diversity Impact Conference On June 11-13, FNU’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) hosted the 10th Annual Diversity Impact Conference. FNU started this tradition in 2010 alongside the launch of the Diversity Impact Program, which was introduced with the primary goal of increasing diversity in enrollment while providing a more inclusive environment and a more robust support system for all students. Since the Diversity Impact Program launch, FNU’s enrollment of students of color has risen from 9 percent to 24 percent.

The first Diversity Impact Conference was introduced with the hopes of engaging students in culture and thought that differs from their own as a means to expand awareness and understanding of those that differ from them. At that time, the conference was limited to attendance by students only.

While the Diversity Impact Conference has since expanded to a wider audience including staff, faculty, and Couriers, it still maintains a primary student focus. The conference highlights issues involving race, culture, and the LGBTQ community through speakers, discussions, and small group activities.

Due to COVID-19, the event was hosted on a digital platform this year.

This year’s conference theme, “Year of the Nurse and Midwife 2020: Increasing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,” followed the lead of the World Health Organization (WHO), which designated 2020 as the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife.

The rise of COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of quality nursing and midwifery care. Data shows that culturally competent and inclusive

care produces better health outcomes, making the Diversity Impact Conference even more critical.

The conference began with introductions from FNU Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (CDIO) Geraldine Young.

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion staff, the Diversity Impact Adhoc Committee, moderators, academic leadership, and support were introduced along with a briefing from the CDIO, including a moment of silence for those

affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic and racism. Introductions were followed by a welcome address from FNU President Dr. Susan Stone that emphasized FNU’s goals of encouraging and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

In her session “Addressing Health Disparities: The Role of Healthcare Providers & Educators,” Dr. Kenya Beard, Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences at Nassau Community College, discussed how structural racism impacts health equity, healthcare disparities, and social determinants of health (SDOH). She left attendees with meaningful ways to facilitate race-related discourse.

Milagros Phillips, also known as “The Race Healer’, addressed the conference with a comprehensive speech

titled “What is Race Literacy – 4 Dimensions of Racial Conditioning.”

This impactful speech focused on how we may be conditioned by race and described how coming face to face with our own biases can transform our work and liberate our hearts.

Other thought-provoking speakers included Ronald Hickman Jr. on “Everyday Biases: We all Have Them and Can Manage Them”; Laura MannsJames on “Microaggressions in Nursing Education and Health: Why They Matter and What We Can Do About Them”; and Katrin Moskowitz on “The ‘Ask Me How I Am Project’: The Discussion of Mental Health and Suicide Among Health Care Workers.”

Attendees also engaged in virtual networking sessions, small breakout groups, tabletop discussions, and optional virtual lunches with faculty and staff throughout the weekend. As a bonus to the virtual experience, an online scavenger hunt encouraged participants to engage with FNU on social media and share their conference experiences.

The conference ended Saturday evening following a weekend of community, respect, knowledge, and self-evaluation.

FNU would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all of our speakers, faculty, and staff that helped to make this event possible. Next year, we hope to engage in this time of personal and professional growth in person once again but are also overwhelmed with the success and positive feedback from the virtual event.

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FNU’s Focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Diversity Impact

Reflections: Here is what some of this year’s participants had to say about the virtual Diversity Impact Conference: “Dr. Beard’s session was so insightful. I learned to be more aware of implicit bias and to stand up for others and my patients to ensure the best care for all (even if it causes a “disagreement” with a doctor!). Also, thank you to Dr. Stone for an amazing presentation.”

– Kelly Wilson, FNU student

“Thank you so much for

all of the hard work that you put into making the virtual Diversity Impact Conference happen this year. Every single speaker and activity was informative and inspirational. This was my first year attending, but it will certainly not be my last.”

“The conference is a big success. A big thank you.”

– Diane John, Ph.D., ARNP, FNP-BC, CNE, Associate Professor

“Thank you for organizing such a wonderful event. I have laughed, cried, and learned so much. I don’t even think that I have processed everything yet, but I know that I am a better person because I attended this event. Thank you.”

– Angela Bailey, FNU Chief Advancement Officer

– Melinda M. Hancock, FNU student.

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“DI 2019 at Hyden Kentucky was incredibly impactful to me, learning about Snap Judgements, Biases, BIPOC lives, and SGM insights. It was so moving I was unsure how things could possibly be presented in a virtual setting in 2020 on Zoom. How wrong I was. I learned more about being an effective white ally and how to stand up and with my brothers and sisters of color.”

- Jane F Houston DNP, CNM, MSN, FACNM, Associate Professor, Director, DNP program

Meet New Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer

Dr. Geraldine Young In March, FNU introduced new Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (CDIO), Dr. Geraldine Young, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CDE, FAANP. Dr. Young has practiced for 20 years in the nursing field, and advocating for diversity and inclusion in nursing education has been at the forefront of her work.

She holds a DNP from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and an MSN from Alcorn State University, and a BSN from the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

“It is truly an honor and a pleasure to be selected as the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Frontier Nursing University,” said Dr. Young.

My distinguished career, spanning 20 years, has demonstrated a great passion for improving health outcomes, especially in disenfranchised populations. An early career trajectory began with five years as a registered nurse; this led to 15 years as a family nurse practitioner, 10 of which have been spent as one of the first DNPs in Mississippi and nursing faculty, nine as a certified diabetes educator, and five as a family medical practice owner.

We sat down with Dr. Young to learn about her passion for diversity and inclusion, her strategy for enhancing these initiatives at FNU, and the challenges she expects to face in her new position as CDIO. What has been your career path so far, and how has it led you to your current role as chief diversity and inclusion officer?

I hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, an MSN from Alcorn State University, and a BSN from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. I am a board-certified family nurse practitioner (FNP) and a certified diabetes educator.

I made an effortless decision to migrate to Kentucky to become the inaugural Director for Graduate Nursing Programs at Kentucky State University to expand the ability to help others in rural, underserved areas. Before leaving Mississippi, FNU was introduced to me by a colleague. As an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), the thought of FNU (a nursing university that exclusively focused on graduatelevel nursing education for APRNs and founder of my degree pathway as a family nurse practitioner) was instantaneously intriguing. When the opportunity presented itself, there was no hesitation to seize the chance to be employed at FNU! How has your professional background influenced your passion for diversity and inclusion?

Serving as a leader in improving diabetes outcomes in the southeastern United States has been a career pinnacle. Leadership in the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Health Disparities Collaboratives and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS’s) Mississippi Health First Project transformed the model for healthcare practices and

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FNU’s Focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion diabetes self-management education (DSME) in Mississippi for minority and underserved populations. This leadership led to recognition from the CMS and the American Association of Diabetes Educators for program excellence in DSME. Assistant Director of Diversity and Inclusion Devon Peterika (left) and Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator Chris Turley

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion FNU’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion was formed in 2018. The Office of DEI includes the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Dr. Geraldine Young, Assistant Director of Diversity and Inclusion Devon Peterika, and Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator Chris Turley.

The goal of the Office of DEI is to ensure students, faculty, and staff are provided with an environment that promotes DEI and encourages the success of all community members.

The Office of DEI solicits the equitable perspectives of students, faculty, and staff regardless of race, gender, sexual preference or identity, disability and/or religion.

Among their many duties, the staff members of the Office of DEI send monthly communications to students, faculty, and staff, and work with FNU’s human resources department to facilitate staff training. The Office of DEI also guides National Workforce Diversity grant activities; Diversity Impact Program activities and the annual conference; and the enrollment and retention of underrepresented students.

My firm commitment to clinical-practice excellence is evidenced by developing a private practice in Mississippi. This practice focused on improving health outcomes and diabetes management and had over 2,500 visits annually, 10 percent of which are for veterans and 30 percent for underserved populations. Direct clinical outcomes were not the only benefits of this practice. In a dynamic partnership with Jobs for Mississippi (a program that provides at-risk youths with positive work experiences to prevent them from becoming dropouts), this practice also provided professional role modeling, culminating in its participation in the AmeriCorps jobplacement service, which specifically targets at-risk youth. This practice attained state and national recognition, including a joint telehealth project with the University of Mississippi Medical Center to increase quality care access.

Where did your passion for diversity and inclusion begin?

My passion for diversity and inclusion emerged in the role of family nurse practitioner, serving various patient populations in underserved, rural areas in Mississippi. During this time, the belief that “no patient is noncompliant” was attained. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to remove the bias towards patients that appear to be non-compliant.

Healthcare services should reflect individualization based on a patient’s circumstances and uncover a means of improving their health outcomes. This motto continues today for any population that I service, including students, faculty, and staff.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are the keys to the future success of the health care delivery system and the improvement

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of health outcomes for minority and underserved populations. All perspectives need a voice. I have always been willing to be that voice.

Membership in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials Task Force further strengthens this passion as I am on the front line of nursing education addressing health disparities and inequities in our nation.

How do you define diversity and inclusion at Frontier Nursing University?

FNU encompasses an atmosphere built on a culture of caring, with a mission to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

FNU elicits students, faculty, and staff ’s equitable perspectives regardless of race, gender, sexual preference or identity, disability, or religion. FNU’s goal is to improve health outcomes by producing conscious, competent nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners in underserved and rural areas across the U.S. FNU is a national leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion and a three-time winner of the INSIGHT Into Diversity Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award (2018-2020).

What are you most excited about with your new position?

I have been involved with diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the background for many years. Now, I have the opportunity to propel this role forward in my influential nursing career as

the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at FNU. In this role, I can expand the impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at FNU to improve the health outcomes of diverse patient populations in underserved and rural areas in the U.S. What strategies do you feel will have the most positive impact on the FNU community?

The administration is tremendously supportive of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at FNU. This support transcends the comfort level needed to productively perform in the role of Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer.

Embodying transformational leadership characteristics, implementing the teambased approach to confronting diversity, equity, and inclusion issues, and soliciting the perspectives of students, faculty, and staff will be instrumental in disseminating a powerful culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion at FNU. This approach will also ensure the direct involvement and ownership of the entire FNU community in the continuous transformation process.

What are the biggest challenges that you will face in your new role?

As the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, I expect the following challenges: • Upholding accountability for implicit bias in the FNU community • Increasing the integration of atypical, diverse populations and perspectives into the FNU community • Providing support for the changes • These challenges are expected to resolve as constituents become more informed and proactive within the diverse and inclusive FNU community.

What is a fun fact about you?

I love to travel! I have been to Washington, D.C., approximately ten times in the past three years to advance the nursing profession. I feel like D.C. is my home away from home.

FNU Receives INSIGHT Into Diversity Health Professions Higher Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award for Third Consecutive Year Frontier Nursing University (FNU) received the 2020 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. This is the third consecutive year that FNU has received this prestigious award.

As a recipient of the annual Health Professions HEED Award — a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion — FNU will be featured, along with 45 other recipients, in the December 2020 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

“The HEED Award process consists of a comprehensive and rigorous application that includes questions relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees — and best practices for both — continued leadership support for diversity, and other aspects of campus

diversity and inclusion,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We take a detailed approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for institutions where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being done every day across their campus.”

“Being selected as a recipient of the prestigious HEED Award for a third consecutive year is an incredible honor for Frontier Nursing University,” said FNU President Dr. Susan Stone. “Amidst the current social justice movement in our country, it is imperative that FNU serve as an agent for change. We know that culturally competent care improves health outcomes and begins with a more diverse healthcare system. We are proud to be taking a leadership role in this movement by educating an increasingly diverse student body, but fully recognize that we have much

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FNU’s Focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion “The HEED Award process consists of a comprehensive and rigorous application that includes questions relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees — and best practices for both — continued leadership support for diversity, and other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

to learn and areas in which to improve.

The HEED Award confirms that we are continuing to move in the right direction and to make meaningful progress.”

FNU’s commitment to emphasizing and valuing diversity and inclusion was formally instituted with the creation of the Diversity Impact Program in 2010.

The following year, FNU held its first annual Diversity Impact Conference.

Held each summer, the Diversity Impact Conference opens the door for nurse practitioner and nurse-midwifery students plus faculty and staff to foster collaborative discussions, address health disparities, and find proactive solutions to improve health among underrepresented and marginalized groups.

telling data points is the percentage of students of color enrolled at FNU. In 2009, that number was 9 percent. In 2020, it has grown to 24 percent. In conjunction with the increased diversity of enrolled students, FNU also carefully monitors and analyzes its retention data. For the cohort of students who entered FNU in 2014 the rate of difference between the retention of SOC as compared to white students was nearly 8%. This gap between the retention rate of SOC as compared to the white population has continued to decrease with each subsequent year. The overall rate of retention for students who entered FNU in 2018 (approximately 2130 months in the program) is 80.82% for SOC and 83.96% for white students.

FNU’s commitment to emphasizing and valuing diversity and inclusion was formally instituted with the creation of the Diversity Impact Program in 2010.

The success of student retention rates is the result of diligent student support and progress monitoring. In 2019, 196 students utilized FNU’s free tutoring program, attending a total of 1,436 tutoring sessions. Additionally, in 2017, FNU adopted Dropout Detective, which is software that alerts faculty if students are not signing in

In 2017, FNU established the position of Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (CDIO), which sits on the President’s Cabinet. Today, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has grown to include Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Dr. Geraldine Young, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator Chris Turley, and Assistant Director of Diversity and Inclusion Devon Peterika.

FNU’s diversity initiatives span all facets of the university, but one of the most

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to their online classes or if there is any pattern of poor performance. In the last three years, 2,551 students have been identified for assistance via this early warning system. Via the FNU Professional Organization Mentoring Program (POMP), FNU’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) also provides mentoring services for underrepresented students at professional conferences. Through POMP, FNU faculty mentors and attends professional conferences with students from historically marginalized populations.

FNU has also implemented extensive DEI training for students, faculty, and staff. All new faculty and staff complete an Everfi training called “Diversity: Inclusion in the Modern Workplace”.

The EverFi diversity course titled, “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Students” became part of the student pre-entry orientation program in 2020. Further, as part of the Nursing Workforce Diversity grant program, FNU has engaged diversity consultant, Dr. Mona Wicks, from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

Together, we have developed diversity and inclusion faculty/staff course modules titled, “Building Bridges in a Diverse World and The Link between Mental Health, Culture, Bias, and Stigma.” These modules are required for all faculty and staff and confirmation of completion is submitted to supervisors.

The module is also made available to FNU’s Board of Directors.

FNU Named One of Twelve Qualifying Institutions for the DOIT Certification Program

FNU was identified as one of the first 12 qualifying institutions for the Diverse Organizational Impact and Transformation (DOIT) certification program. The announcement was made on October 5 by CoopLew and Diverse: Issues In Higher Education after reviewing the results of the first pillar survey on senior representational diversity.

DOIT is a research mechanism that certifies an institution’s progress on diversity and inclusion. The certification process utilizes four Institutional Pillars for Transformation (IPTs) and a Pillar Indicator Map (PIM) as a framework to identify institutional components that speak to intentionality, frequency, and policy associated with behaviors and expectations for executing transformation within core executive-level activities for recruitment, retention, reward, promotion, and pipeline.

The certification process uses two frameworks to measure institutional transformation: the four Institutional Pillars

for Transformation (IPTs) and a Pillar Indicator Map (PIM). Together, IPT and PIM identify how an institution’s intentionality, frequency, and policy is impacting core executivelevel activities such as recruitment, retention, reward, promotion, and pipeline.

The four pillars are: RD – Representational Diversity ILC – Institutional Leadership & Commitment CCT – Curricular & Co-Curricular Transformation CC – Campus Climate FNU and the 11 other institutions will be recognized in the November 12 edition of Diverse: Issues in Higher Education.

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FNU News Frontier Nursing University Graduate and Faculty Member Dr. Catherine Collins-Fulea Succeeds FNU President Dr. Susan Stone as President of American College of Nurse-Midwives Catherine Collins-Fulea, DNP, CNM, FACNM, and Assistant Professor at FNU, was officially inducted as the new president of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) at the organization’s annual meeting on May 31. ACNM is the professional association that represents certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) in the United States.

Collins-Fulea, who also received her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from FNU, succeeds FNU President Dr. Susan Stone, DNSc, CNM, FACNM, FAAN, as ACNM’s president. Stone, who has been president at FNU since 2001, served as the ACNM president for the past two years.

“I am so proud that Dr. Collins-Fulea is the new ACNM president, not only because of her affiliation with FNU but because I know she will be an outstanding leader for the organization,” Stone said. “Her experience as a clinician, administrator, and educator makes her the ideal person to advocate for midwives and lead us in the years ahead.”

“I am deeply honored to be the president of ACNM,” Collins-Fulea said. “I am grateful to Dr. Stone for her leadership over the past two years, and I look forward to building upon her great work.

There are many challenges ahead, and I am eager to begin this journey.”

national levels with ACNM. She has chaired many committees, including the Michigan chapter of ACNM; the national quality management section; the division of standards and practice; the service directors network; and the volunteer structure realignment task force. She has also served as a regional representative on the ACNM board of directors and two terms as vice president.

After completing her basic nursing and midwifery education in England, CollinsFulea opened an in-hospital birthing center at Grace Hospital in Detroit in 1981, when only five other CNMs were practicing in the entire state. She joined the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit in 1991, where she started a new practice with six other CNMs. Over the years, she grew this practice into one of the most respected in the state, leading 22 midwives at two hospitals and practicing in 8 outpatient centers.

Collins-Fulea, who joined the faculty at FNU in January 2019, has been active professionally on both the state and

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In 1998, Collins-Fulea was inducted as an ACNM Fellow. In 2003 she received the prestigious Dorothea Lang Pioneer Award from the ACNM Foundation to recognize her work developing and implementing ACNM benchmarking and her work as editor and author of An Administrative Manual for NurseMidwifery Services. She has published on clinical as well as practice issues and has spoken nationally and internationally on a variety of topics.

As ACNM’s new president, CollinsFulea will be supported by the leadership at ACNM, which also welcomed other newly inducted officers to its Board of Directors during the annual meeting.

Dr. Maria Small Joins Frontier Nursing University Board of Directors Dr. Maria J. Small, MD, MPH, was unanimously approved as the newest member of the Frontier Nursing University Board of Directors during the Board’s meeting on July 22. Dr. Small is a maternalfetal medicine specialist within the field of obstetrics and gynecology at Duke University Medical Center.

“I am honored to join the Frontier Nursing University Board of Directors,” Dr. Small said. “I have long been impressed by FNU’s history of educating nurses and midwives. FNU’s work is more important than ever. I look forward to collaborating with the other members of the Board of Directors and FNU leadership to build upon FNU’s nationwide impact.”

Born in Durham, N.C., Dr. Small earned her bachelor’s degree from Brown University, then completed medical school at East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine. She completed an internal medicine residency at Yale University’s New Haven Medical Center and an OB-GYN residency at Temple University Hospital. She went on to perform a fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine at Yale University and has a master’s degree in public health from Yale.

Dr. Small, who joined Duke University Medical School in 2007, is currently an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Prior to returning to Durham, Dr. Small served in a variety of instructional positions, including assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Yale University’s School of Medicine and adjunct faculty and associate head of the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Rwanda.

In addition to her professorial endeavors, Dr. Small also sees patients at Duke Birthing Center in Durham, N.C. She is board certified by both the American Board of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Maternal & Fetal Medicine, and the American Board of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Obstetrics & Gynecology. Dr. Small, who speaks Portuguese and Spanish in addition to English, has a special interest in high-risk maternal medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and preeclampsia.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Dr. Small to our Board of Directors,” said FNU President Dr. Susan Stone, DNSc, CNM, FACNM, FAAN. “Her extensive knowledge and experience in both education and maternal health is an ideal combination, and she promises to have a significant impact on the future of FNU. We are honored that Dr. Small accepted our invitation to join the Board of Directors and are excited to begin working with her.”

As part of Frontier Nursing University’s Board of Directors, Dr. Small will help guide the university’s direction and decision making during a critical period as the university prepares to transition to its new campus in Versailles, Kentucky.

All on-campus student activities are postponed until at least January 1, 2021, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The university, which has just begun work on its recently approved 2020-22 strategic plan, continues to place priority focus on both new and ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Those initiatives focus on creating an equitable, welcoming environment that will enable the university to continue to become more diverse in all areas, including students, faculty, staff, and the Board of Directors.

FNU Faculty Receive Awards, Inducted as Fellows at ACNM Annual Meeting FNU CNEP faculty members Anne Cockerham, Ph.D., CNM, WHNP-BC, CNE, and Kate Woeber, Ph.D., CNM, MPH, FACNM were officially inducted as ACNM Fellows during ACNM’s annual meeting this summer.

Anne Cockerham

Kate Woeber

Additional Awards and Honors: Heather Clarke, CNM, APRN, DNP, FACNM – Excellence in Education Award Wendy Sturrock, MSN, CNM, APRN – Outstanding Preceptor Award Linda McDaniel, DNP, MSN – Elected to ACNM’s Nominating Committee

Heather Clarke

Wendy Sturrock

Linda McDaniel

Frontier Nursing University • Quarterly Bulletin 11

COVID-19: Bringing A Culture of Caring to the Front Lines

FNU Alumnus Jean Volm Relocates to New Jersey Hot Spot The images of firefighters and other first responders running into the Twin Towers on 9/11 are indelible. Risking one’s health and safety to help others is truly heroic.

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, we are once again seeing amazing examples of sacrifice, particularly among healthcare providers who willingly enter the fray every day.

Jean Volm That is what Jean Volm, MSN, FNP, Bridge 150, did recently. She was working as a nurse practitioner in pain management at an orthopedic clinic in her home state of Wisconsin. The pandemic restricted the number of patients at the clinic, and Volm was let

go. As she started looking for other fulltime work, Volm also researched travel nursing options. Understanding that New York and New Jersey were COVID-19 hotspots, that’s where she looked first.

Within about a week of losing her position at the clinic, Volm was on her way to Hackensack, New Jersey.

“At the time I was let go, New York and New Jersey were -- and still are -- hot spots of the pandemic,” she said. “They were desperately seeking RNs to help, so I started looking at travel nursing assignments in those areas. Ultimately, I was contacted by a recruiter regarding an eight-week, 48-hours per week RN assignment at Hackensack University Medical Center. I arrived here on April 15 and started working 12-hour night shifts on April 16.”

Volm, who works in the medical, surgical, and telehealth units, humbly said that “the real heroes are the nurses working in the ERs and ICUs.” But that does not minimize Volm’s brave efforts as she works in several COVID units, including the hospital cafeteria that has been converted into a 74-bed COVID unit.

Her sacrifice includes leaving her family behind in Wisconsin, including her 22-year-old daughter and 16-year-old son. “My kids and my ex-husband have been super supportive throughout this entire process,” Volm said. “I would not have been able to do this without them as well as the amazing support from my dear friends.”

12 Frontier Nursing University • Quarterly Bulletin

Via the travel nursing agency, Volm received a stipend to cover her airfare.

She also received a non-taxable weekly stipend for food and housing at a local hotel. After her time in New Jersey, she will continue her search for her next opportunity -- a full-time position, she hopes -- and for another chance to help those in need.

FNU Alumnus Julian Williams Answers the Call on FEMA Assignment Sometimes “answer the call” means literally answering the call. When the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) called this spring, Julian Williams, RN, CMSRN, FNP-C, Bridge 144, answered. Williams was already on a FEMA assignment at the Woodhull Medical Center of Brooklyn, where he was working in the inpatient internal medicine department when the pandemic swept the country, and FEMA contracted him for COVID-19 disaster response. He began working at Coler Rehabilitation and Nursing in New York City.

“I came into this position knowing the inherent risks associated with exposure to COVID-19,” Williams said. “I won’t lie and say that I did not have my reservations given my own risk factor -- an underlying heart abnormality -- but I knew that my training, clinical expertise, and my commitment to

not as amplified as it has been recently.

Things have certainly improved, but there is not a single day that COVID-19 is not a topic of discussion within our panel of providers. Prior to beginning my current assignment at the post-acute care facility, COVID swept through the facility like a whirlwind; there were some deaths, and we now appear to be on a decline of COVID positive patients. However, our daily discussions focus on COVID case tracking, quarantine protocols, and learning how to better synthesize laboratory data as it pertains to COVID infection and symptom/disease remission.”

Julian Williams healthcare necessitated my need to respond and help my new community.

FNU taught to “Answer the Call” whenever/wherever I am needed. This was no exception. It was my pleasure and duty to respond when called.”

Williams was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, but spent most of his youth in North Carolina before moving to New York after college. When he’s not on contract with FEMA, Williams works at South Shore Family Medical Associates in Inwood, New York. There, his scope of practice is within the realm of family medicine. The practice provides preventative health maintenance, chronic disease management, acute illness management, and in-house services via specialists. Williams estimates that the typical outpatient volume is 25-plus visits per day.

“Prior to COVID-19, life was a bit simpler,” Williams said. “Besides treatment for the more common viral/ bacterial illnesses or chronic disease management, the healthcare burden was

Further precaution includes the FEMA mandate that the healthcare workers stay in a local hotel to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to the public. At Coler Rehabilitation and Nursing, Williams has been working in an inpatient setting as well as in post-acute care.

“FNU prepared me for COVID by equipping me with the clinical knowledge, confidence, and skills necessary to care for the acutely ill during this pandemic,” Williams said. “While I have seen my fair share of deaths due to COVID infection, I would say that my experience has been a bit different, especially in the post-acute care setting, as many of the patients have been COVID positive, but completely asymptomatic and otherwise healthy. I tell my patients that there is still much to learn about COVID-19, and as recommendations change, so will our approach to treatment; however, in the meantime, we will continue to focus on tightly managing your chronic conditions, as well as provide evidence-based treatment to mitigate the effects of health decline secondary to COVID.” While there are still more questions than answers regarding the pandemic, one thing remains clear. When the call for help comes, Julian Williams will be there to answer it.

In addition to wearing the appropriate PPE, Williams is swabbed twice per week for COVID-19 infection. He credits that diligence and his own personal health routines for helping him to stay healthy thus far.

“I think my judiciousness toward implementing the safety precautions has helped me remain healthy,” Williams said.” However, I still take my daily multivitamins, vitamin B12, Zinc, and Vitamin C for good measure. One cannot be too careful.”

Frontier Nursing University • Quarterly Bulletin 13

Alumni Awards

2020 Alumni Awards The Distinguished Service to Society Award recognizes an alumna/us who goes above and beyond to provide exceptional service in their communities.

The Distinguished Service to Alma Mater Award honors an alumna/us who has supported Frontier through volunteer efforts and/or donor support.

Distinguished Service to Alma Mater Award: Rebeca Barroso, DNP, MSN, RN, CNM, FACNM Rebeca Barroso lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she was in fullscope nurse-midwifery clinical practice for more than 20 years after 22 years in direct-entry midwifery practice. Dr. Barroso, who earned both her nursemidwifery certificate and DNP from FNU, served as an Assistant Professor at Frontier from 2011 to 2016. She is currently an associate professor at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she teaches the graduate level maternalinfant content and pathophysiology for the nurse practitioner students.

Dr. Barroso has an extensive clinical midwifery background, working with vulnerable women experiencing health disparities from multiple cultural backgrounds. In 2008, Dr. Barroso was the recipient of the Community Service Award granted by Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis for her work with patients from these underserved populations.

Dr. Barroso is a co‐editor of Best Practices in Midwifery: Using the Evidence to Implement Change, Second Edition (2016), and DNP Capstone Projects: Exemplars

of Excellence in Practice (2015). She is a fellow of the American College of NurseMidwives. In 2011, Dr. Barroso won ACNM’s W. Newton Long Award for the Advancement of Midwifery.

Throughout her career, Dr. Barroso has been a dedicated supporter of FNU. She has precepted more than a dozen Frontier students and has been a generous donor for more than 20 years. We thank Dr. Barroso for her remarkable commitment to her profession, her community, and to FNU. We are proud to present her with the 2020 Distinguished Service to Alma Mater Award.

Distinguished Service to Society Award: Melva CraftBlacksheare, DNP, MS, RN, CNM Dr. Melva CraftBlacksheare is an Associate Professor of Nursing at the University of MichiganFlint School of Nursing. She has been a registered nurse (RN) for over 40 years and a certified nurse-midwife (CNM) for 26. Dr. Craft-Blacksheare, who earned her CNM from FNU, practices as a centering pregnancy facilitator with the St. John Providence Health System in the Metro Detroit area.

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Dr. Craft-Blacksheare is the lead faculty at the University of Michigan-Flint for Maternity Nursing as well as Issues in Women’s Health courses. She also cochairs DNP student research projects and serves on the Curriculum Committee, Student Concerns Committee, and is a former Advisory member of the Women’s Educational Center. She is a Co-chair for the A.C.T.S (A Chance to Succeed) Mentoring Program. She is on the Steering Committee of Genesys Hospital Centering Pregnancy.

Dr. Craft-Blacksheare is a member of the American College of Nurse-Midwives, Association of Women’s Health Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, and the Greater Flint Black Nurses Association. Dr. CraftBlacksheare has been the Project Director for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Grant “New Careers in Nursing” that aims to increase nursing workforce diversity.

She is a chartered member of the Chi Eta Phi, Sorority Inc. Iota Chi Chi Chapter, an international professional nursing sorority, whose mission is “Service for Humanity.”

As a leader in her field and at her university, Dr. Craft-Blacksheare embodies the spirit of Frontier. A preceptor to FNU students, she continues to give back to FNU and the profession of midwifery as an educator, researcher, and practitioner. For her decades of service and commitment to FNU, Dr. Melva Craft-Blacksheare is the very deserving winner of this year’s Distinguished Service to Society Award.

Distinguished Service to Alma Mater Award: Rebecca Feldman, CNM, PMHNP Rebecca Feldman is a nurse-midwife, psychiatric nurse practitioner, and psychotherapist in the field of maternal mental health. She sees clients in private practice in the offices of Boro Park Ob/Gyn and Midwives, and at Zucker Hillside Hospital in Queens, N.Y., as part of the perinatal psychiatry team.

She earned her MSN from FNU and a Post Master’s in Psychiatric Nursing from NYU. Feldman, who has delivered more than 70 babies, has a broad range of nursing experience, as well as ten years of experience as a midwife. Her vast experience helped her identify an area of need in women’s health care -- perinatal mental health.

She applied for grants to start mothers’ groups in English and Spanish. She made these evidence-based support groups available to mothers at no cost and continues to provide mental health services to clients with underlying mental health diagnoses or perinatal mood disorders.

She provides mental health care during all aspects of family building, including preconception planning, families struggling with infertility, postpartum parents, as well as those surviving pregnancy, infant, or child loss. She facilitates a weekly group for pregnant or postpartum clients struggling with depression or anxiety, and payment is only by donation.

In addition to her service to her patients, she is also a leader and advocate. She is a frequent guest speaker on the subject of maternal mental health and is an advocate for making maternal mental health care accessible to all families in need.

Feldman has seemingly always been

willing to give her time and expertise to assist others. Even as a student at FNU, she hosted case days in her home.

As a graduate, she has precepted FNU students every year since becoming eligible to do so in 2016.

Feldman is a true credit to her FNU training and a most worthy recipient of the 2020 Distinguished Service to Alma Mater Award.

Distinguished Service to Society Award:

herself to be a greater change agent.

She is now pursuing her DNP at Frontier and working at Franklin Family Practice. Her tireless efforts to learn how to serve best her community, and her commitment to improving health outcomes worldwide are inspiring.

Rachel Lien is an outstanding example of providing service to others, and, for that reason, we are proud to honor her as the winner of the 2020 Distinguished Service to Society Award.

Mary Breckinridge Lifetime Service Award:

Rachel Lien, FNP Rachel Lien, who earned her MSN and FNP from Frontier, quickly applied what she had learned.

She worked at a pediatric inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Massachusetts, where patients from all over the world came for specialized treatment.

Based on Lien’s work with patients from Arabic-speaking countries and her community service in interfaith dialogue groups and a Moroccan American community group, she was awarded the Kathryn Davis Peace Fellowship.

This fellowship allowed her to study Arabic for a full summer. An additional scholarship from One Nurse At A Time led her to travel to Pakistan, where she volunteered at a hospital and clinic. Lien worked in the newborn inpatient unit and taught classes to promote health and wellness among the staff and students.

Next, Lien traveled to Greece to work at a clinic in a refugee camp.

Working abroad taught her that one person traveling to volunteer was not enough and how politics, culture, and organizational structure contribute to the vast disparities in health worldwide.

With these experiences and new insights, Lien returned to Massachusetts to continue learning and preparing

Dr. Jon Kucera and Dr. Susan Graham Dr. Susan Graham, a member of the extended Breckinridge family, and her husband, Dr. Jon Kucera, are longtime FNU supporters. They have inspired others to give as well, such as matching donations to FNU on Giving Tuesday.

Their gifts have supported many FNU initiatives, including student scholarships and the Kitty Ernst Midwifery Endowed Chair Fund. In 2019 they made a pledge for the construction of a walking path around the Versailles campus.

Not only do they support FNU by financial gifts, but also by gifts of time and expertise. Dr. Graham, who is an active member of FNU’s Leadership Council, and Dr. Kucera stay closely connected to the university and its mission.

“Students who attend or have attended FNU are self-chosen due to the unique history and focus of the school,” Dr. Graham said. “Those attending FNU have

Frontier Nursing University • Quarterly Bulletin 15

Alumni Awards

“The FNU approach of educating providers where they live, so they can care for their neighbors in their own community would, I’m sure, make Mrs. Breckinridge very pleased.”

furthered their own education to gain the background tools to analyze difficult situations, understand their role as leaders, and effectuate change. Many enter health professions with a desire to serve others; FNU was founded with the vision of serving those left behind or excluded from the traditional health care models.”

Dr. Kucera added that FNU’s model is central to the university’s ability to carry out its mission and to positively impact the health care needs in the U.S. “I have worked for 35 years as a general internist, most recently in a Federally Qualified Health Center in an underserved area of urban Buffalo,” he said. “The lack of primary care providers available to accept new patients into their practices everywhere has been painfully apparent. This is even more of an issue in rural or under-served urban areas, or if as a patient you don’t have insurance or have Medicaid or Medicare. I am proud to support FNU and its mission. As a topranked educator of graduate-level nurses and a champion of remote learning long before the pandemic, FNU is strategically placed to meet the health care needs of the future.”

“The FNU model builds on the strengths of the individual in their daily lives and local communities,” Dr. Graham continued. “The students

bring an understanding of the priorities and key drivers of health in their own practices. Working on methods and solutions is the immediate result of such shared experience. Health care barriers and patient needs have similarities across rural and underserved populations. Thus, with this focus and shared philosophy, the students, faculty, and alumni have a platform for communication, research, and activism.

FNU graduates are energized, involved, and unafraid to think broadly, ask questions, and be part of new solutions.”

Dr. Kucera said this mindset embodies the mission and vision created by Mary Breckinridge so many decades ago.

“Mary Breckinridge founded FNU in 1939 to serve the needs of the rural Kentucky population which had very few healthcare options,” Dr. Kucera said.

“Unfortunately, today in this country we still have significant populations who because of geography, finances, or social issues still are medically underserved. The FNU approach of educating providers where they live, so they can care for their neighbors in their own community would, I’m sure, make Mrs. Breckinridge very pleased.”

With the deepest gratitude for their support, we are honored to present Dr. Susan Graham and Dr. John Kucera with the Mary Breckinridge Lifetime Service Award.

Unbridled Spirit Award: Ellen Bayard

Ellen Bayard served as a Frontier Nursing Service Courier from the early fall of 1968 to the late spring of 1969. After that, she returned to Scripps College to complete her major in Russian Studies. She went on to attend Delaware Law School, which later became Widener University.

16 Frontier Nursing University • Quarterly Bulletin

“I think the lasting impact the (then) FNS made upon me was that I acquired a very real sense of how our rural areas of the U.S. are practically invisible to the large part of the U.S.,” Bayard said.

“I have lived in the very poor, mostly rural state of New Mexico for over 40 years, and I find many similarities to what I saw so many years ago. The effect of rural isolation can be profound. It is not just the resolution of problems of how to provide services there, but also the challenges of how to support those who choose to live in these small communities. I am deeply impressed with the incredible impact the FNU has in training medical personnel that ultimately are, very often, committed to living and working in our underserved rural areas.”

Throughout her career, she has remained connected to the Courier program. Her generous annual contributions have helped to further the mission and work of Frontier. In addition to her financial commitment, she has volunteered her time and talents as a member of the Courier Advisory Council.

“I am so happy that the Courier program evolved into what has become an ‘incubator’ for those heading to the medical world,” Bayard said. “It is a very good thing to have such a program based in a rural area. I think it can provide inspiration to those figuring out exactly what facet of medical care is a good fit.

Our rural U.S. needs medical personnel badly. I am proud to be a part of such an amazing program. FNU is truly always ahead of its time!”

In recognition and gratitude for her service as Courier, advisor, and supporter, we are proud to present the Unbridled Spirit Award to Ellen Bayard.

Alumni Notes Mary Crichton Joins Novant Health Oceanside Family Medicine Novant Health welcomed Mary Crichton, MSN, FNP, DNP Class 34, to Novant Health Oceanside Family Medicine in Bolivia, North Carolina.

Kim Benning and Kristin DeArruda Wharton Join St. Luke’s Healthcare System

Kim Benning (left) and Kristin DeArruda Wharton (right) Kim Benning, MSN, FNP, Class 87, and Kristin DeArruda Wharton, MSN, FNP, Class 164 recently joined St. Luke’s, a nonprofit healthcare system based in Duluth, Minnesota.

St. Luke’s has two hospitals and more than 40 primary and specialty care clinics serving northeastern Minnesota, northwestern Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Benning joined St. Luke’s Mariner Medical Clinic in Superior, Wisconsin. DeArruda Wharton joined St. Luke’s Urgent Care in Duluth, Minnesota.

Kettering Physician Network Women’s Health -- Advanced Women’s Healthcare Welcomes Kelly Wilkinson Kelly Wilkinson, MSN, CNM, Class 93, has joined Kettering Physician Network Women’s Health – Advanced Women’s Healthcare in Beavercreek, Ohio.

Wilkinson specializes in family planning, prenatal care, and routine check-ups.

Brooke Bambridge Joins Watson Clinic in Lakeland, Florida Brooke Bambridge, MSN, FNP, Bridge 141, recently joined Watson Clinic in Lakeland, Florida.

Her specialties include female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, gynecology, and obstetrics.

Sarah Heggie Joins PeaceHealth Medical Group’s Same Day Care Clinic Sarah Heggie, MSN, FNP, Class 94, recently joined PeaceHealth Medical Group’s Same Day Care Clinic in Bellingham, Washington, as a family nurse practitioner. Prior to becoming a family nurse practitioner, Heggie spent several years a pediatric registered nurse.

FNU Alumni Association The Frontier Nursing University Office of Alumni Relations is here to support YOU! Our purpose is to find new and meaningful ways to engage and support Alumni — from graduation throughout your career.

Alumni are an integral part of FNU’s development because you demonstrate the excellence of FNU in everyday practice and because you are our primary recruiters and most loyal donors. We appreciate your commitment to FNU, and we plan to offer additional rewarding programs in return soon.

Services are open to all graduates of FNU. We currently have more 6,000 alumni in all 50 states and many countries around the world. We encourage you to explore the services, programs, and activities offered and to become involved. There are several wonderful ways to stay in touch with friends and connected to FNU including; reunions, conference receptions, case days, eNews, and our very active Facebook Group. To take advantage of all member services, please make sure we have your updated contact information by emailing us at alumniservices@frontier.edu.

Frontier Nursing University • Quarterly Bulletin 17

Alumni Notes Troy Urology Associates Welcomes Margaret Galvez Margaret Galvez, DNP, MPH, FNP-C, Class 29, has joined Troy Urology Associates, a practice of St. Peter’s Health Partners Medical Associates in Troy, New York. She previously worked as a nurse practitioner with HELPS International in Guatemala, and as an RN with Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas.

Catalina Island Medical Center Welcomes Tammy Moore as Chief Operating Officer Catalina Island Medical Center (CIMC) in Avalon, California, announced the appointment of Dr. Tammy Moore, DNP, Class 13, as Chief Operating Officer.

Moore previously served as the Chief Clinical Officer at Summit Pacific Medical Center in Elma, Washington.

William “Bill” Michalides Joins La Paz Regional Hospital William “Bill” Michalides, MSN, FNP, Class 167, recently joined La Paz Medical Services in Quartzsite, Arizona.

He completed nurse practitioner training and education at FNU after ten years as a critical care ICU and trauma ICU nurse.

Watertown Regional Medical Center Welcomes Amber Hendriksen Watertown Regional Medical Center recently welcomed Amber Hendriksen, MSN, FNP, Class 146, to the Doctors Court Clinic in Watertown, Wisconsin.

Hendriksen previously worked for several years as a registered nurse in an emergency department and trauma center.

Monica Heltz Named Public Health Director Monica Heltz, DNP, Class 32, was named the first public health director for the city of Fishers, Indiana, a suburb of Indianapolis. In her role, Monica Heltz is responsible for the development of the Fishers Health Department, which was established in April 2020. Prior to the appointment, Heltz worked for the Marion County Public Health Department, where she held various roles, including nurse practitioner, northeast district health office nursing coordinator, and tuberculosis program coordinator.

Gifford Health Care Welcomes Azaliah Tillinghast Azaliah Tillinghast, MSN, FNP, Class 166, recently joined the primary care team at Gifford Health Care in Randolph, Vermont.

Tillinghast, whose clinical interests include women’s health and traumainformed care, has previously worked in the emergency department and served as a sexual assault nurse examiner.

18 Frontier Nursing University • Quarterly Bulletin

Gretchen Chase-Rey Joins Barrington OB/GYN Gretchen Chase-Rey, MSN, CNM, Class 82, recently joined Community Health Programs’ Barrington OB/GYN in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Chase-Rey has worked since 2015 as a certified nursemidwife, practicing at a federally qualified health center in Flint, Michigan, and at a hospital-based medical practice in that area. Prior to becoming a certified nurse-midwife, she worked as a registered nurse at a Michigan hospital, focusing on labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum care.

Michelle Newton Joins Northwest Florida Community Hospital Northwest Florida Community Hospital in Chipley, Florida, welcomed Michelle Newton, MSN, FNP, Bridge 144, to its Wound Healing Institute. Newton has a particular interest in advanced wound care and hyperbaric medicine, as well as general surgery. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, Newton worked as a registered nurse for 17 years in labor and delivery, home health, wound care, general surgery, and case management.

Megan Gagner Returns to St. Lawrence Health System Megan Gagner, DNP, Class 30, has rejoined St. Lawrence Health System’s medical team at Canton-Potsdam Hospital in Potsdam, New York. She joins the team in the hospital’s

“Birthplace” department. Gagner previously worked at Canton-Potsdam Hospital as a labor/delivery and postpartum nurse.

Ann Jopling Published in Urologic Nursing

Lindsey Jonker Joins Holland Hospital Women’s Specialty Care Lindsey Jonker, MSN, WHNP, Class 119, has joined Holland Hospital Women’s Specialty Care in Holland, Michigan.

Greta Gill and Nicole Lassiter Present at 2020 National Maternal Health Innovation Symposium

Greta Gill and Nicole Lassiter Present at 2020 National Maternal Health Innovation Symposium

Ann Jopling (left) and Niessa Meier Ann Jopling, DNP Class 26, was published in the May/June issue of Urologic Nursing. Her article, “Effective Screening for Female Urinary Incontinence at the Well-Woman Examination,” was written based on her quality improvement project, which was overseen by FNU course coordinator Niessa Meier, DNP, CNM, CNE. The quality improvement project reinforced the value of screening and referral to treatment to improve quality of life and preserve functional abilities.

cirrhosis by improving utilization of national guidelines,” detailed a quality improvement initiative, which resulted in improving cirrhosis guideline-based care by 22 percent. Smith is an FNP at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. FNU assistant professor Khara’ Jefferson was the supervising DNP faculty who served as an adviser throughout the project phases. * Smith, Tracy Smith DNP, FNP-BC, CNE; Jefferson, Khara’ DNP, FNP-C. Providing effective inpatient care for cirrhosis by improving utilization of national guidelines. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. June 2020.

Carla Bray and Christopher Kennedy Published in the Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners

* Jopling, Ann, DPN; Meier, Niessa, DNP, CNM, CEN. Effective Screening for Female Urinary Incontinence at the Well-Woman Examination.

Urologic Nursing. May/June 2020.

Greta Gill (left) and Nicole Lassiter Greta Gill, MSN, CNM, CNEP Class 25, and Nicole Lassiter, CNM, MSN, WHNP, DNP, Class 28, were selected to present at the 2020 National Maternal Health Innovation Symposium held in September. Gill is a nurse-midwife and the service director for El Rio Community Health Center in Arizona.

Lassiter is an assistant professor at FNU.

Tracy Smith and Khara’ Jefferson Published in Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners

Tracy Smith (left) and Khara’ Jefferson Tracy Smith, FNP-BC, CNE, DNP, Class 30, was published in the Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners on June 30. Her article, “Providing effective inpatient care for

Carla Bray (left) and Christoper Kennedy Carla Bray, DNP, Class 32, was published in the June issue of the Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Her article, “Improving timely sepsis care using the surviving sepsis campaign one-hour bundle in a rural emergency department,” resulted from a quality improvement project overseen by FNU assistant professor Christopher Kennedy, DNP, APRN. * Bray, Carla DNP, APRN; Kennedy, Christopher DNP, APRN. Improving timely sepsis care using the surviving sepsis campaign one-hour bundle in a rural emergency department, Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners: June 30, 2020.

Frontier Nursing University • Quarterly Bulletin 19

Alumni Spotlights Alumni Spotlight: Jennifer Cameron, MSN, CNM, Opens Women’s Wellness Center to Serve Community

schedules and allow significant others and older children to attend appointments whenever possible.

“I spend around an hour with each patient to make sure I am getting to know the whole woman so I can offer individualized, full-scope holistic care,” said Jennifer.

Transitions accepts every type of insurance, including Medicaid, the most common coverage her patients carry.

Michigan does not recognize or license birth centers, so Jennifer receives no facility reimbursement from the state. She has a part-time office assistant but has not been able to afford to hire help or take home a paycheck.

Jennifer Cameron, MSN, CNM, Bridge 74, is serving her hometown community as the only certified nurse-midwife (CNM) in a two-county area. Jennifer’s hometown of Manistee, Mich. has a population of 15,000, with around 25,000 in the surrounding county. It is a predominantly rural area, and many patients suffer socio-economic challenges.

Two years ago, Jennifer was working at West Shore Medical Center OB-GYN, the town’s first-ever in-hospital midwifery care facility. The large regional Munson Healthcare bought out West Shore, and the OB department was shut down.

To meet patients’ needs, Jennifer opened Transitions Women’s Wellness Center, a women’s wellness center and freestanding birthing facility, and the only facility to deliver a baby in a two-county area. In the first full year of practice, Transitions received National Best Practice recognition.

“I know that Mary Breckinridge never worried about payment for services and that things will improve in time,” said Jennifer. “I get paid in hugs and baked goods and donations of needed supplies.

I know that I’m doing good things for the right reasons, for women and families that need and deserve a different kind of care.”

Jennifer chose to pursue nurse-midwifery because she wanted to bring the option of midwifery care to the area where she grew up. Many of the women in Manistee County are socioeconomically challenged, undereducated, underserved and underprivileged, but Jennifer’s hope is that by educating and empowering them, lives will be impacted not just today but for generations to come.

“I feel blessed to be able to serve the women in this area,” said Jennifer.

“The most rewarding thing for me is helping women who don’t think

As a full-scope CNM, Jennifer is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

She offers non-traditional office hours at Transitions to accommodate work

20 Frontier Nursing University • Quarterly Bulletin

they’re worth much. When they leave after a year of pregnancy and childbearing, they go as empowered women who know what’s going on with their bodies, understand how to be healthy, how to advocate for themselves, and how important it is to be treated with respect in regards to healthcare.”

“I spend around an hour with each patient to make sure I am getting to know the whole woman so I can offer individualized, fullscope holistic care.”

-Jennifer Cameron, MSN, CNM

Transitions received a lot of media attention at the start of the new year.

With the closing of the OB department, 2020 was the first year in the history of Manistee County that the first baby of the new year was not born in a hospital! The birth took place at Transitions. Jennifer had cared for the mother during her first three pregnancies but had never been present for the births, so it was special for her to attend the birth of the mother’s fourth child.

Jennifer graduated from FNU in 2013 with her master of science in nursing degree specializing in nurse-midwifery (class 74). She initially chose FNU after her first experience with nurse-midwives.

“We moved to Traverse City 19 years ago. At my job, there were four nursemidwives, three of whom happened to be FNU graduates. They told me about Mary Breckinridge and the university’s continued mission to serve the underserved, and I was sold. I was born and raised in this rural area, and the people I grew up with deserve better care.”

Jennifer credits her time at FNU for giving her a different perspective on nurse-midwifery and healthcare than she would have received at another university.

“Other programs focus on how to work with doctors and make money, but Frontier really emphasizes how to recognize the need in your community,” she said. “They teach you to be an entrepreneur with the intent of seeking out those in need and serving them.”

Jennifer would like to see this service mentality embraced by nurse-midwives across the country.

“I think if Mary Breckinridge’s mission of serving the underserved were to spread through the entire nurse-midwifery community and the medical community in general, we would have a much better picture of healthcare,” she said.

Jennifer has observed that the FNU community is distinctive in the nursemidwifery world because of its diversity and its commitment to the higher calling of serving those in need. Being a part of this community has enriched Jennifer’s life.

“On days where I struggle, I reach out to my FNU nurse-midwifery classmates. Even though we live all over the country, we have stayed in close contact, and I consider them my sisters.

We support each other anytime, day or night, and we’re there for each other.

I don’t think I would have had that type of close-knit community from any other midwifery program.”

Alumni Spotlight: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Stephanie A. Patterson Advocates for Mentally Ill Patients in Urban L.A. Dr. Stephanie A. Patterson, DNP, PMHNP-BC, Class 32, is making strides in the mental healthcare field in Los Angeles, where mental illness is a widespread problem.

“In Los Angeles, there is a high need for DNP-prepared PMHNPs like me because of the pervasiveness of mental illness in the community,” Patterson said. “Current statistics show that 63 percent of adults in California with mental illness did not receive treatment during the past year.”

Patterson currently serves as an inpatient psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), where she works with mentally ill adults.

Her patients are typically admitted involuntarily after presenting themselves as a danger to themselves or others. Patterson and her team evaluate and observe patients until they are stabilized and discharged into a lower level of care.

Patterson is a strong advocate for medication management among patients with mental illnesses, knowing what medication regimens typically work for particular diagnoses. She takes time to listen to each patient, observe for side effects of medication, and educate the patient on the importance of consistent medication and follow-up appointments.

“It is important that our patients know that they can still maintain a functional life in the community, hold jobs, or stay in school, etc., despite

having a mental health condition. This is why patient education is so crucial,” she said.

Improving quality for better patient outcomes is one of her passions, which prompted her to pursue her DNP. She recently presented her final DNP project at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Forum in Orlando, Florida, highlighting a patient-centered approach to improving appointment adherence rates in the mental health arena.

“I was very excited to present my project among like-minded professionals,” Patterson said. “It was the culmination of my education at FNU and my commitment to the underserved in mental healthcare.”

The ability to work while pursuing her DNP was important in Patterson’s decision to attend FNU. The reputation of FNU’s faculty also drew her. “Many faculty have been in the field for 30 years or more across all different regions of the country, offering a wealth of clinical expertise and institutional knowledge,” she said.

During her DNP studies, Stephanie picked up an important tool that she has implemented into her practice.

She uses a shared decision-making aid

“I was very excited to present my project among like-minded professionals, It was the culmination of my education at FNU and my commitment to the underserved in mental healthcare.”

-Stephanie A. Patterson

Frontier Nursing University • Quarterly Bulletin 21

Alumni Spotlights

“The shared decisionmaking model isn’t used much in the mental health community, but FNU taught me to use it, and it has been an effective way to provide the patient with a foundation for making decisions based on individual values, preferences, and goals for treatment.”

-Stephanie A. Patterson

to engage patients and takes time to explain to her patients why keeping their appointments is so important.

Year of the Nurse and the Midwife Spotlight: Stephanie VanderHorst, CNM, MSN Co-owns Freestanding Birth Center in Rural Indiana Stephanie VanderHorst, CNM, MSN, Class 28, had a plan. She would open a freestanding birthing center in Auburn, Indiana, a rural community of 13,000 people located in DeKalb County, two hours north of Indianapolis. There was no birthing center in the community, and she knew there was a need.

As part of her coursework at Frontier Nursing University (FNU), she developed a business plan for the birthing center in 2000. The results were not what she expected.

“I realized my plan for a birthing center in Auburn wouldn’t work,” she said.

Working as the manager of the obstetrics department at DeKalb Memorial Hospital,

her interviews with patients revealed a glaring problem. “I realized people didn’t know what a certified nurse-midwife (CNM) was.”

Understanding that the reason the plan wouldn’t work wasn’t a lack of need, but rather a lack of awareness, she held onto her dream and took steps to make it a reality.

“I conducted exit interviews with patients postpartum,” she said. “During those exit interviews, I asked, ‘What is your ideal birth? When you have your next baby, what do you want the experience to be?’

People started talking about birth centers.

In having those conversations, I was able to lay a foundation that there are options.”

It took longer than expected, but her diligence paid off with the opening of the Auburn Birthing Center in 2010. In addition to co-owning the birthing center, VanderHorst is employed by Auburn OB/ GYN and Midwifery and has privileges at Parkview DeKalb Hospital.

“The shared decision-making model isn’t used much in the mental health community, but FNU taught me to use it, and it has been an effective way to provide the patient with a foundation for making decisions based on individual values, preferences, and goals for treatment,” she said.

She uses the motivational interviewing strategy during her initial consultations with patients, helping them commit to making changes to improve their health and wellbeing. She has seen this method improve mental and overall health outcomes and reduce relapses.

Stephanie VanderHorst (left) with grandson Easton and daughter-in-law Leah (right), who is currently enrolled in FNU Class 194.

22 Frontier Nursing University • Quarterly Bulletin

As of March 2020, VanderHorst has welcomed nearly 2,000 births. She has also welcomed nearly 30 students, serving as their preceptor and helping her earn FNU’s Distinguished Service to Alma Mater Award in 2019. Remembering that she had difficulty finding a preceptor when she was a student, VanderHorst is happy to serve in this role and screens prospective students carefully before agreeing to work with them.

“I’m looking for midwives who are going to grow the profession,” she said. “Precepting is helping to identify midwives who are going to live the profession and provide quality care that is research-driven and evidence-based. I take about one out of every ten students who come to me.”

VanderHorst is earnest about guiding students interested in growing the profession because she herself has become an active leader and advocate for nursemidwifery throughout the state. She served consecutive two-year terms as the president of the American College of Nurse-Midwives Indiana Affiliate and is on the board of the Coalition of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses of Indiana. She served on a cervical cancer task force and is on the Governing Council of the Indiana Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative (IPQIC) as part of a state-wide initiative to reduce maternal mortality.

“Governor Holcomb wants Indiana to be the best in the midwest in maternal mortality and neonatal mortality rates, and that has launched a huge initiative,” VanderHorst said. “We are looking at every birth center and rewriting the policies and standards for birth centers.”

VanderHorst, who makes the drive to the state board of health in Indianapolis three to four times per month, studied the state’s policies and utilized resources from the American Association of Birth Centers (AABC) and the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers (CABC) as guides to help review and

“I’m looking for midwives who are going to grow the profession,” she said. “Precepting is helping to identify midwives who are going to live the profession and provide quality care that is research-driven and evidence-based. I take about one out of every ten students who come to me.”

suggest revisions to the state’s existing policies and guidelines. The collaborative effort led to the creation of a revised document that is scheduled to be reviewed by the state board of health at a meeting in March 2020.

there is a shortage of psychiatric-mental health providers in Auburn and across the state. Serving on IPQIC’s maternal mortality review board, she has seen evidence of the impact mental health plays in the patient’s overall health.

VanderHorst described the past six years in these leadership roles as, “Two years of asking what the problem is, two years of exploring what other ideas are out there, and two years of instituting change.”

“Mental health can have a big impact on these women and them not seeking the help and care that they need,” she said.

“Substance abuse, depression, and mental health permeate everywhere.”

Estimating that the world needs 9 million more nurses and midwives if it is to achieve universal health coverage by 2030, the World Health Organization designated 2020 as the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife. VanderHorst’s experiences serve as an example of how nurses and midwives play a vital role in healthcare and why they must be included in policy-making decisions.

With leadership roles as co-owner of a birthing center, preceptor, and active participant in state healthcare initiatives, VanderHorst may seem to have been destined for this profession. That, however, was not the case.

“We are the boots on the ground,” she said. “When doctors give direction and say ‘you need to stop smoking or you need to lose weight,’ the nurse-midwife is the one who sits down with the patient and says, ‘Let’s talk about it. What’s really going on inside this family? What are the triggers?

What are some realistic ways we can make healthier choices?’ We are digging deeper and getting a clearer picture of the situation because we have a little more time to spend with the patient.”

VanderHorst said that, as is the case in many communities across the country,

“I became a midwife by default,” she said.

“As a nurse, I had those rose-colored glasses, but soon realized that some of the nurses were really taking care of the doctors more than the patients. I became more and more disheartened. I had changed as much as I could as a manager. I needed to be a provider.”

She was also helping provide for her family, which consisted of her husband, Dean, and two sons.

“The only options I had other than FNU were Michigan or Case Western,” said VanderHorst, who now has three sons, a daughter, and a grandson. “Do I want to travel every week to Michigan or Case Western, or do the distance-based program at FNU? I needed to work. I had two boys

Frontier Nursing University • Quarterly Bulletin 23

Alumni Spotlights at the time, and I carried our insurance. I worked throughout the completion of my midwifery program.”

VanderHorst credits FNU with helping her direct her passion to open a birthing center by creating a plan that served the community’s needs and could succeed as a business. “The program did well in instilling that there are different ways to practice and finding out what your community needs are,” she said.

She recalled attending FNU’s Midwifery Bound, where the attendees shared their

dreams and motivations. She remembers both FNU President Dr. Susan Stone and FNU Board of Directors member Kitty Ernst being in the circle. When it was her turn to share her story, VanderHorst said, “I’m going to open a birth center in northern Indiana.”

She shared her voice that day with a relatively small group of people. Today, VanderHorst continues to share her message with a much larger audience, her voice resonating as a leader, advocate, educator, and caregiver.

“Mental health can have a big impact on these women and them not seeking the help and care that they need.”

-Stephanie VanderHorst

Become a Master/ Expert Preceptor

If you are a preceptor for FNU students, you can achieve Expert or Master Preceptor status and receive these beautiful lapel pins as a thank you for your dedication to the profession.

As of June 30th, 2020, we have had several preceptors receive one or both statuses: 45 - Expert Preceptors 2 - Master Preceptors If you would like more information on you may unlock your Expert or Master Preceptor status and receive your pin along with a certificate of recognition, please contact Stephanie.Boyd@frontier.edu Criteria to Achieve FNU Expert Preceptor status: • Precept 3 FNU students in the last 5 years • Complete the online “Gift of Precepting” course Criteria to Achieve FNU Master Preceptor status: • Achieve Expert Preceptor status • Served as Primary Preceptor for 6 FNU students • Complete the online “Master Precepting” course

24 Frontier Nursing University • Quarterly Bulletin

News and Notes Dr. Joan Slager, Dean of Nursing, Selected for Fellowship in the American Academy of Nursing

Charlotte Swint and Eileen Thrower to Participate in NLN Leadership Institute

In August, Dr. Joan Slager, CNM, DNP, FACNM, was selected for Fellowship in the American Academy of Nursing in acknowledgment of her outstanding contributions and impact on nursing and health. Dr. Slager will officially become a Fellow during a virtual induction ceremony in October.

The American Academy of Nursing selected a total of 230 distinguished nurse leaders to join the 2020 Class of Fellows. The Academy is currently composed of more than 2,700 nursing leaders who are experts in policy, research, administration, practice, and academia that champion health and wellness, locally and globally.

Through a competitive, rigorous application process, a committee of elected Fellows review hundreds of applications and select new Fellows based on their contributions to advance the public’s health. Induction into the Academy is a significant milestone in a nurse leader’s career in which their accomplishments are honored by their colleagues within the profession.

Vicky Stone-Gale Advocates for Bill as “Nurse Practitioner of the Day” at Florida Legislative Session During the 2020 Florida legislative session, FNU Assistant Professor Dr. Vicky Stone-Gale, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP, was invited by Speaker of the House Jose Oliva to be Nurse Practitioner of the Day. “It was an honor to serve as the Nurse Practitioner of the Day in the Legislative Clinic at our state’s Capitol,” said Stone-Gale, who was also recognized on the floor of the House. Stone-Gale’s participation was part of a push to pass House Bill 607.

“While House Bill 607 is important to the more than 32,000 APRNs in Florida, as it allows us to work to the full extent of our training, it is even more important to the millions of Floridians it would help receive access to safe and quality care. I thank House Speaker Oliva and Rep. Cary Pigman for supporting this legislation that will modernize the way we provide health care in Florida.”

Charlotte Swint (left) and Eileen Thrower (right) FNU Associate Professor Charlotte Swint, DNP, MPH, FNP, and Assistant Professor Eileen Thrower, CNM, Ph.D., have been selected to participate in the National League for Nursing’s (NLN) year-long Leadership Institute.

Bringing together experienced professionals, a world-class faculty, and dynamic curricula, the NLN Leadership Institute provides experiential learning opportunities for leaders across all career trajectories, from aspiring and emerging, to rapid transition into leadership positions, and those already experienced.

The Institute comprises three full year-long leadership programs that enhance and maximize leadership skills for faculty, deans, directors, and associate deans as well as nurse administrators in practice. The common denominator is a shared commitment to excellence in nursing education and practice. The result is a lasting transformational leadership experience.

Barbara Anderson Selected to Assist with Curriculum Development FNU professor emerita Dr. Barbara A. Anderson, DrPH, RN, CNM, FACNM, FAAN, was one of 20 individuals selected by the Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health to serve on the curriculum development for cultural competency in maternal health.

House Bill 607 was passed and became law on July 1, 2020.

Frontier Nursing University • Quarterly Bulletin 25

News and Notes PMHNP Pass Rates Soar to New Heights The 2019 board pass rates for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners were recently announced. FNU’s pass rate for 2019 was 93%, up significantly from last year’s 84% mark. FNU students exceeded the national average on scaled and raw scores in all three test domains.

“I want to congratulate the PMHNP faculty team for their commitment and dedication to our students,” said Jess Calohan, DNP, PMHNP-BC, Chair of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Department. “Thank you to the staff, who are an integral part of PMHNP department’s success.

Finally, thank you to Dr. Rachel Mack, Dr. Diane John and the curriculum committee for all of your support during our curriculum revision process.”

FNU Faculty-Written Article Selected as Award Finalist

Diana Jolles Selected to Attend Prestigious NLN Scholarly Writing Retreat Diana Jolles, Ph.D., CNM, was selected to participate in the 2020 National League for Nursing (NLN) Scholarly Writing Retreat. The Scholarly Writing Retreat, a mentoring program of the NLN Chamberlain University College of Nursing Center for the Advancement of the Science of Nursing Education, accepts only a handful of applicants yearly.

CNEP Student Sunoz Soroosh Awarded NYC Midwives Scholarship CNEP student Sunoz “Sunny” Soroosh was awarded one of four New York City Midwives Scholarships. She is only the second FNU student to be awarded this scholarship; the last was Trixie Ndanu Kioko-Kamps, MSN, CNM, Class 143.

NYC Midwives has sponsored an annual Midwifery Student Scholarship since 2007.

In 2020, four $3,750 scholarships were awarded.

FNU FNP Students Receive Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. Scholarships

Caption (L-R): Dwynn Golden, Dawn Lovelace, and Linda McDaniel.

Assistant Professor Dwynn Golden, DNP, CNM, OB/ GYN NP, Assistant Professor Dawn Lovelace, DNP, CNM, FNP, and Instructor Linda McDaniel, DNP, MSN, co-wrote an article for the Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health ( JMHW) entitled “Long-Term Effects of Breast Cancer Surgery, Treatment, and Survivor Care.” The article was selected as a finalist for the Mary Ann Shah Award, which is given to a certified nurse-midwife or certified midwife who publishes for the first time as the primary author of an original research or review article in JMWH. Criteria for the award include the significance of the contribution to midwifery and women’s health clinical practice, policy, education, or research; clarity and quality of writing; depth and scope of the issue presented; interdisciplinary importance of the article; and uniqueness or other outstanding feature.

26 Frontier Nursing University • Quarterly Bulletin

FNP students Kimether Redmon, Class 181, Vanessa ShieldsHaas, Class 179, and Tiffany Vang, Class 176, received Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. Scholarships earlier this summer.

There were only 23 NEF Scholarship recipients selected from across the United States. According to a statement from NEF, “Their selection represents exemplary academic, clinical practice, community service, and professional accomplishments and places them among an elite group of NEF scholarship awardees. Congratulations to the faculty of Frontier Nursing University for facilitating an environment that creates the highest academic and clinical performance outcomes for your students.”

Dr. Susan Stone Published in Minority Nurse Magazine “Midwives on the Frontlines of a Pandemic”, an article written by FNU President Dr. Susan Stone, was published in the 2020 Midwifery Week issue of Minority Nurse Magazine.

FNU Celebrates Chi Pi Honor Society’s Spring 2020 Scholarship Recipients Each spring and fall, Frontier Nursing University’s (FNU) Chi Pi chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) awards exceptional students with a $750 scholarship for their substantial academic success. All recipients have previously qualified for STTI membership by completing at least a quarter of their degree program, holding a 3.5 or higher grade point average, and demonstrating academic excellence. The spring scholarship recipients were:

Perceived Chronic Stress in Low-Income Urban Pregnant and Postpartum Black Women.” * Somerville, K., Neal-Barnett, A., Stadulis, R. et al. Hair Cortisol Concentration and Perceived Chronic Stress in Low-Income Urban Pregnant and Postpartum Black Women. J. Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities (2020).

Diane John and DeLana Gardner Present at Annual NBNA Institute and Conference

CE Durfee, MSN (Nurse-Midwifery), Class 179 Dominique Wilson, MSN (Nurse-Midwifery), Class 181 Cathy Cook, DNP, Class 34 Devon Vandewiele, MSN (Nurse-Midwifery), Class 182 Chelsey Hymas, MSN (FNP), Class 179 Hannah Morrison, MSN (PMHNP), Class 179 Amy Guzman, MSN (Nurse-Midwifery), Class 178

Laura Manns-James Published in Journal of Racial and Ethnic Disparities FNU associate professor Laura Manns-James, Ph.D., CNM, WHNP-BC, CNE, was a contributing author to an article published in July in the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Disparities. The article, co-written with Keaton Somerville, Angela Neal-Barnett, Robert Stadulis, and Diane StevensRobinson, is entitled “Hair Cortisol Concentration and

Calling All Book Lovers!

Diane John (left) and DeLana Gardner FNU associate professor Dr. Diane John, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE, and FNU instructor Dr. DeLana Gardner, DNP, MSN, FNP-C, were selected to present at the 48th Annual National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Institute and Conference this summer. Together, they co-presented “ “TeamSTEPPS: A Framework to Teach Healthcare Team Communications.” Dr. John also co-presented “Nurses and Disruptive Innovations: A Seismic Impact on Community Health” with Dr. Katina Kennedy, FNP, during the NBNA Conference.

Would you be interested in joining an FNU Book Club? We are launching book clubs for FNU Alumni, FNU Couriers, and Friends of FNU. To participate, all you need is a cell phone and email address. Monthly meetings for all three groups will be held via Zoom beginning in January 2021. For more information, to sign up, or to submit book suggestions, please contact angela.bailey@frontier.edu.

Frontier Nursing University • Quarterly Bulletin 27

In Memoriam / Tributes

FNU Mourns the Passing of Alumna Jan Dobbins Thomas, CNM Jan Dobbins Thomas, CNM, took her first breath on October 16, 1950, in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, a daughter of the late George Dobbins and the late Elizabeth (Impiccini) Dobbins-JakubikKimtantas. She took her last breath on March 26, 2020, surrounded by her loving family.

Jan was a loving, caring person who was quick-witted and made any situation fun.

She loved her family, career, God, and country. At an early age, she knew she wanted to become a nurse and deliver babies. She graduated from the Beth Center High School in 1968, the Uniontown School of Nursing in 1971, WVU in 1995, The Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing (later called the Frontier Nursing University) in 1998. She was extremely proud of becoming a midwife, and throughout her career, she helped deliver over 1,600 babies. Jan said, “I held each of those mothers and babies in my heart.”

“I held each of those mothers and babies in my heart.”

- Jan Dobbins Thomas, CNM

Jan is survived by her loving husband and best friend of 46 years, Richard “Dick” Thomas; twin daughters, Erin Thomas of Morgantown and Terese Cooley and husband Dan of Hawaii; three grandsons, Ty Cooley, Gavin Cooley, and Nicholas “Nick” Utter; three sisters, Debbie Duncan and husband Steve of Newtown, PA, Vellamarie “Pudge” Devecka of Clarksville, PA, and Denise Pohill and husband Ken of Kearneysville, WV and many nieces, nephews and very special friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, John Jakubik, and a niece, Amanda Jakubik.

28 Frontier Nursing University • Quarterly Bulletin

Memorial Donations The following people gave contributions to Frontier in memory of their friends or loved ones. The names in bold are the deceased.

Benny Ann Blessing Bray Mr. Howard Bray Jane H. Hope Ms. Jane Tyrrell Molly Lee Estate Molly Lee, former Faculty and Dean of the Frontier Graduate School of Midwifery, passed on July 14, 2019. We paid tribute to her incredible contributions to Frontier in the Summer 2019 issue of the Quarterly Bulletin. Her contributions continue even today, as Molly’s will directed that her bequest be used “to provide a scholarship to a deserving student who is a graduate missionary.” FNU anticipates awarding the scholarship in 2021.

Trustees/ Board of Directors Trustees Mrs. Tia Andrew, Hamilton Parish, Bermuda Ms. Sarah Bacon, Brooklyn, NY Mrs. Andrea Begley, Hyden, KY Dr. Heather Bernard, Hamilton, NY Gov. Steven Beshear, Lexington, KY Mrs. Betty Brown, Louisville, KY Mrs. Amy Pennington Brudnicki, Richmond, KY Dr. Timothy Bukowski, Chapel Hill, NC Dr. Wallace Campbell, Berea, KY Miss Anna Carey, Hyden, KY Mrs. Jean Chapin, Oldwick, NJ Mrs. Lois Cheston, Topsfield, MA Bill Corley, Indianapolis, IN Mrs. Julia Breckinridge Davis, Winston-Salem, NC Mrs. John Dete, West Liberty, OH Mrs. Selby Ehrlich, Bedford, NY Mrs. Robert Estill, Raleigh, NC Mrs. Noel Smith Fernandez, Pomona, NY Ms. Mary Ann Gill, Versailles, KY Mr. John Grandin, Chestnut Hill, MA

Dr. Joyce Fortney Hamberg, Southgate, KY Dr. Horace Henriques, Lyme, NH Mr. & Mrs. John Hodge, Berwyn, PA Mrs. Robin Frentz Isaacs, Lincoln, MA Mrs. Rosemary Johnson, Versailles, KY Mrs. Mary Carol Joseph, Hyden, KY Ms. Deborah M. King, Westport, MA Mrs. Patricia Lawrence, Westwood, MA Mrs. Henry Ledford, Big Creek, KY Mrs. Marian Leibold, Cincinnati, OH Dr. Ruth Lubic, Washington, DC Mr. William Lubic, Washington DC Mr. Robert Montague, JD, Urbanna, VA Mr. Wade Mountz, Louisville, KY Dr. Judy Myers, Ph.D., RN, New Albany, IN Ms. Barbara Napier, Irvine, KY Ms. Sandra Napier, Stinnett, KY Dr. Spencer Noe, Lexington, KY Mr. Dean Osborne, Hyden, KY Mrs. Helen Rentch, Midway, KY

Mrs. John Richardson, Washington, DC Mrs. Linda Roach, Lexington, KY Mrs. Georgia Rodes, Lexington, KY Mrs. Sandra Schreiber, Louisville, KY Maria Small, MD, MPH, Durham, NC Mrs. Sherrie Rice Smith, Franklin, WI Mrs. Austin Smithers, Lyme, NH Mrs. Robert Steck, Arlington, MA Mrs. Mary Clay Stites, Louisville, KY Mr. Richard Sturgill, Paris, KY Ms. Mary Frazier Vaughan, Lexington, KY Mrs. LouAnne Roberts Verrier, Austin, TX Dr. Patience White, Bethesda, MD Mr. Harvie Wilkinson, Lexington, KY Ms. Vaughda Wooten, Hyden, KY

Board of Directors CHAIR

Board Members

Foundation Board Members

Michael Carter, DNSc, DNP New Orleans, LA

Carlyle Carter, Evanston, IL

Peter Coffin, Chair, Frontier Nursing Service, Inc Foundation, Chestnut Hill, MA

VICE CHAIR

Nancy Hines, Shepherdsville, KY

Michael T. Rust Louisville, KY

Jean Johnson, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, Cabin John, MD

SECRETARY Wallace Campbell, Ph.D. Berea, KY

Eunice (Kitty) Ernst, CNM, MPH, Perkiomenville, PA

Phyllis Leppert, RN, CNM, MD, Ph.D., FACNM, Salt Lake City, UT Marcus Osborne, MBA, Bentonville, AR Kerri Schuiling, Ph.D., CNM, FAAN, FACNM, Marquette, MI

TREASURER

Peter A. Schwartz, MD, Wyomissing, PA

Emma Metcalf, RN, MSN, CPHQ Louisville, KY

Maria Small, MD, MPH, Durham, NC

Derek Bonifer, Louisville, KY Peter Schwartz, MD, Wyomissing, PA

Board Members Emeritus John Foley, Lexington, KY Marion McCartney, CNM, FACNM, Washington, DC Kenneth J. Tuggle, JD, Louisville, KY

Nancy Fugate Woods, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, Seattle, WA May Wykle, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, FGSA, Cleveland, OH

Frontier Nursing University • Quarterly Bulletin 29

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Please let us know. Simply email us at FNUnews@frontier.edu.

30 Frontier Nursing University • Quarterly Bulletin

2050 Lexington Road Versailles, KY 40383 FNU@frontier.edu • 859.251.4700

Frontier.edu Our mission is to provide accessible nurse-midwifery and nurse practitioner education to prepare competent, entrepreneurial, ethical, and compassionate leaders in primary care to serve all individuals with an emphasis on women and families in diverse, rural, and underserved populations.