The official ribbon-cutting ceremony for Frontier’s campus in Versailles, Kentucky, was held on September 9, 2022. Since then, it has not taken long for Frontier’s Versailles campus to feel like home.
The initial steps naturally focused on the buildings and the activities held within them. The dorms, classrooms, simulation labs, offices, library, dining hall, and President’s House were all carefully planned and designed to be functional, comfortable, and efficient.
With those goals accomplished, Frontier began working on making its new house feel even more like home. One of the initiatives in 2024 was to install artwork and visual images throughout campus that reflect its history and mission.
“We wanted to use local artists,” said FNU Dean of Student Success Dr. Paula Alexander-Delpech. “We wanted to demonstrate inclusivity and belonging. We wanted to pay attention to the fact that we are on land that was originally occupied by indigenous people. We wanted to show the diversity within our students, faculty, and staff.
The themes and messages vary from building to building, each meant to tell a different part of Frontier’s story and mission. The Banyan Tree, one of FNU’s longstanding symbols, is featured in the dining hall. The Reflection Center is non-denominational, offering a place for anyone on campus to have quiet space to reflect, pray, meditate, or whatever form of solace they seek.
“Another thing we wanted to do was to recognize that we are in Kentucky and pay tribute to Kentucky, so there’s art around campus that is a connection to the state,” Dr. Alexander-Delpech said. “In the administration building you will see images of horses, which is not only a connection to the thoroughbred industry, but also to our history of Frontier midwives traveling on horseback through the mountains to provide care to the families living there.”
While FNU’s President’s Cabinet members initiated the planning for the campus design project, Frontier enlisted the expertise of Sherry Feeney, owner of local interior design firm Forecast Interiors, to plan and manage the details. Attention to detail matters because these design elements reflect the mission and values of the university.
“We felt that it would be prudent to bring in art that reflects us today,” Dr. Alexander-Delpech said. “It is about making our campus more inclusive and welcoming to students. We don’t just speak it; we certainly act it and demonstrate it. It’s the message we are sending out today.”
