As we look back on the milestones, memories and achievements of 2025, the impact of the Frontier community is evident. From student and faculty achievements to entrepreneurial graduates making a difference in rural and underserved communities, this year has been one of inspiration, connection and honoring those who made it possible.
Celebrating 100 years of Healthcare Service and Education
In 2025, Frontier Nursing University honored and celebrated 100 years of healthcare service and nursing education since our inception as Frontier Nursing Service in 1925.
Our students, alumni, couriers, donors, volunteers, friends, and employees have made an incredible impact on FNU’s journey over the past 100 years, and we are incredibly grateful. We invite you to read some of their stories here.
As part of the 100 years celebration, the FNU community gathered on campus for the unveiling of a new horse sculpture by local artist Christine Kuhn, symbolizing our enduring commitment to educating nurses who serve all people and honoring our Kentucky home, with a nod to the original Frontier nurses who travelled on horseback through the Eastern Kentucky mountains to provide care.
Frontier Nursing University President Dr. Brooke A. Flinders and the FNU team also traveled across five regions of the country this year to meet over 400 graduates who are transforming healthcare in their communities. The Presidential Tour was a central part of FNU’s 100-year celebration. Throughout the year, the Presidential Tour highlighted the compassion, innovation, and community impact of FNU graduates nationwide. Read more about the tour here and see highlights in our On the Trail Series on YouTube.
Frontier Nursing University President Dr. Brooke A. Flinders and the FNU team traveled across five regions of the country this year to meet over 400 graduates who are transforming healthcare in their communities.
New Chapters Begin
Frontier Nursing University awarded 1,139 certificates and degrees this year in advanced practice nursing and nurse-midwifery specialties, including the Master of Science in Nursing, the Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Post-Graduate Certificates. Our annual commencement ceremony was held on Saturday, Sept. 27, celebrating our graduates’ hard work and commitment to advanced practice nursing.
Frontier Nursing University also held an investiture ceremony on September 26 for President Dr. Brooke A. Flinders, signifying the beginning of a new chapter of leadership for the university. We were honored to share this important milestone on campus with guests and local leaders. Dr. Flinders, a two-time FNU graduate, officially began her tenure as president on August 1, 2024.
Frontier Nursing University held an investiture ceremony on September 26 for President Dr. Brooke A. Flinders.
Frontier proudly welcomed several faculty and staff in 2025 including Dr. Kristin Ashford as Dean of Nursing, and Dr. Laura Manns-James as Interim Department Chair of Women’s Health. Marcus Osborne was selected as chair of the FNU Board of Directors.
In addition, FNU launched the President’s Academic Fellowship Program this year, a prestigious initiative established to recognize and support outstanding faculty members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their field and made meaningful contributions to our academic community.
In the fall, Frontier unveiled a five-year strategic plan to optimize the success of students, faculty, and staff. Through a year-long process of collaboration, three strategic priority pillars have been identified, with corresponding work groups composed of representatives from across the institution. This planning initiative invites the FNU community to envision and shape a bold and transformative “Next Frontier.”
The newly established Alumni Hall of Fame celebrates and recognizes the incredible individuals whose contributions have influenced and formed the past, present, and future success of Frontier. We inducted five people in the Alumni Hall of Fame inaugural class during an induction ceremony in September. The honorees were Dr. Pat Caudle, Kitty Ernst, Dr. Kerri D. Schuiling, Dr. Joan Slager, and Dr. Susan Stone.
It’s been a year to remember. See some of our favorite memories in this short video.
National Accolades Highlight Excellence
FNU was honored with several national awards in 2025. In August, FNU received Insight Into Academia’s Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award, recognizing impactful programs that advance inclusive excellence and belonging.
In September, FNU earned the Health Professions HEED Award for the eighth consecutive year, celebrating our continued commitment to academic excellence, inclusion, and community across campus. That same month, FNU was, for the fifth consecutive year, named one of the best universities to work for by the Great Colleges to Work For program, affirming Frontier as a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and empowered.
Frontier Nursing University awarded 1,139 certificates and degrees this year in advanced practice nursing and nurse-midwifery specialties.
Creating Lasting Impact Through Meaningful Connection
Throughout the year, FNU hosted a vibrant mix of events, and our faculty, staff, students, and graduates proudly represented the university at conferences across the country. Here are some of the highlights:
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- Spring – Alumni and supporters set sail on an Alumni and Friends Cruise to the Bahamas. We also attended the National Student Nurses Association’s Annual Convention, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners National Conference and the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses Convention. FNU proudly supported the Virtual International Day of the Midwife on May 5.
- Summer – The 15th annual Diversity Impact Conference focused on the importance of achieving health equity and reducing health disparities in patient care delivery across healthcare settings. FNU celebrated Preceptor Appreciation Week, honoring preceptors’ critical role in shaping future advanced practice nurses. We welcomed Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman to campus to discuss improving youth mental health and maternal health in Kentucky. FNU also sponsored and attended the Kentucky Symposium for Maternal and Infant Outcomes.
- Fall – FNU recognized National Midwifery Week and National Nurse Practitioner Week with the release of free CE sessions. We also participated in the American College of Nurse-Midwives Annual Meeting, the Nurse Practitioners for Women’s Health Conference, and the American Psychiatric Nurses Association Conference. FNU’s 2025 Day of Giving was FNU’s most successful yet, raising over $116,000 from more than 250 generous donors to support scholarships, clinical supplies, and programs for our dedicated students.
The FNU community gathered on campus for the unveiling of a new horse sculpture by local artist Christine Kuhn.As we close out this extraordinary year filled with inspiration and connection, one theme rises above all others: the profound impact of the Frontier community. As nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners, our alumni, students, faculty and preceptors carry FNU’s Culture of Caring into every community they serve, advancing quality, compassionate healthcare for all. We couldn’t be more excited for the Next Frontier that lies ahead!
