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Student Spotlight: Ashley Parker selected for SAMHSA Minority Fellowship Program

At the heart of Frontier Nursing University is a talented and diverse community of students, alumni, faculty, staff, couriers and preceptors. Spotlight blogs feature members of our FNU community who are focused on the mission of educating nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners to deliver quality healthcare to underserved and rural populations.

FNU DNP Student Ashley Parker, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Frontier Nursing University student Ashley Parker, MSN, PMHNP-BC, was recently selected for the 2023-2024 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) Minority Fellowship Program. A first-year doctor of nursing practice student at FNU, Parker’s selection is a testament to her dedication toward advancing mental health care, particularly for underrepresented minority groups.

The SAMHSA Minority Fellowship Program aims to increase the number of post-baccalaureate behavioral health nurses from underrepresented ethnic minority groups. By fostering leadership, evidence-based research and culturally competent services, the program strives to eliminate health disparities in behavioral health disorders. The program emphasizes integrated approaches, acknowledging the mental and physical health needs of all ethnic/minority populations.

Through her selection, Parker will benefit from stipends, dissertation support, mentoring, career guidance, research workshops and interactions with experts in various disciplines. The program is designed to shape the careers of Fellows, providing leadership seminars, conferences and career enhancement opportunities.

Parker serves as the lead psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) at a 60-bed extended acute care behavioral health facility.

“I always tell my clients , ‘You’re the expert on you, you lead, I help.’,” said Parker. “It’s the way I build rapport and give them choices so that they can have a sense of autonomy in their treatment planning.”

With a rich educational background, including a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Temple University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Drexel University, and a Master of Science in Nursing from Wilkes University, Parker brings a wealth of knowledge to her doctoral studies.

Recognized for her exceptional compassionate care, Parker received the Daisy Award while working with an Adult Psychiatric Crisis unit at Thomas Jefferson University in 2020. With 15 years of experience in mental health, she specializes in thought and mood disorders, particularly bipolar and schizophrenia, with comorbid substance use disorder.

Parker is an active member of prominent organizations such as the American Nurses Association, American Psychiatric Nurses Association, and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She also leads mental health clinicals for Bachelor of Nursing Students at Kennesaw State University.

Passionate about reducing stigmatization, Parker focuses on educating patients and their families on navigating newly diagnosed mental health disorders. Her commitment to crisis prevention is evident through her certification in crisis prevention training, where she has imparted knowledge to numerous employees at major psychiatric crisis hospitals.

As a SAMHSA Minority Fellowship Program Fellow, Parker will contribute to the program’s mission by integrating the science of early intervention and prevention, treatment and recovery into her doctoral research. Her focus on reducing crisis hospitalization aligns with the program’s goals of promoting culturally relevant care and addressing mental health disparities.

Thank you, Ashley, for your dedication to mental health care, as exemplified through your participation in this distinguished fellowship.

To learn more about the SAMHSA Minority Fellowship Program, visit emfp.org.

Learn more about advanced nursing degrees and specialties at Frontier Nursing University. Subscribe to our blog for the latest news and events at FNU and to get inspired with stories featuring our alumni, students, faculty, preceptors and staff!

March 25, 2024
Winter 2024 Quarterly Bulletin Celebrates Preceptors and Their Vital Roles in Educating Frontier Students

The Winter 2024 issue of the FNU Quarterly Bulletin features a special 8-page section celebrating preceptors. A message from FNU Dean of Nursing, Dr. Joan Slager, CNM, DNP, FACNM, FAAN, explains why precepting is so important to Frontier students and how the experience benefits the preceptor as well. The special section also includes answers to all the frequently asked questions about precepting, survey results regarding the experience of past preceptors of FNU students, and reflections from students about the preceptors. Additional preceptor information includes the dates for FNU’s second annual Preceptor Celebration Week and a special poem from FNU alumnus Ebonique Shanks, CNM, about her preceptors.

Along with the special preceptor section, the Winter issue shares the news of two major awards recently presented to FNU from AACN and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, announcements regarding two key leadership positions in the Department of Family Nursing and Information Technology, and a look at the latest “Frontier Nursing University In the News” stories.

The Winter issue also takes a look at mental healthcare through the lens of Dr. Tracy Hicks and Dr. Bradley Kuo (pictured below), two FNU graduates who are working to improve the quality of and access to mental healthcare in their respective states of Hawaii and Texas.

Dr. Tracy Hicks

Dr. Bradley Kuo

The Alumni News and Notes section shares information about the Florida Council of Nurse-Midwives annual meeting, sponsored by FNU, on a Royal Caribbean cruise, May 10-13. Also, find all of the details about Homecoming 2024 (March 23) and the Diversity Impact Conference (July 18-19), and see the latest news and notes about FNU alumni and their work throughout the country.

As FNU’s summer Courier Program Public Health Internship approaches, learn all you need to know about the program, its purpose, and how current college students can apply.

All of this, along with the details of the most recent faculty publications, and information about how to share your story as FNU prepares to celebrate “A Century of Stories” in 2025, are captured in the Winter Quarterly Bulletin, which is available to read online or download at Frontier.edu/publications.

March 21, 2024
FNU Student Ainsley Stone Issues Day of Giving Challenge

During FNU’s second annual Day of Giving, nurse-midwifery student Ainsley Stone (no relation to FNU President Dr. Susan Stone) issued a $7,500 Day of Giving challenge to inspire others to give back to the university. Ainsley’s challenge that 20 gifts be made to the Annual Fund was met early on in the 24-hour giving event. The Annual Fund (unrestricted dollars) supports the areas of greatest need on campus, including scholarships, opportunities for academic and extracurricular excellence, and the enhancement of campus facilities and resources.

Ainsley, who is expected to graduate in 2025, fulfilled her pledge after her Day of Giving challenge was met. The event goals were to raise $50,000 from 100 donors. FNU exceeded these goals and had 129 donors who donated over $73,000. Despite the daily demands of being a mother and student, Ainsley took the time to answer our questions to explain why giving back to the university is so important to her.

Tell us why you chose Frontier and what you’re finding special about the institution.
I am currently enrolled in the CNEP program at Frontier. I was drawn to Frontier because of its history as the oldest midwifery program in the country. I have known many Nurse-Midwives who received their education from Frontier, and I have been impressed by their training and thought highly of them.

Where do you work?
Before transitioning to a full-time stay-at-home mom and student, I worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner in a family practice office near Detroit. My nursing background is in women’s health and obstetrics.

What motivated you to contribute a challenge gift as part of the University’s Day of Giving?
I firmly believe in the power of supporting academic institutions we deeply believe in. Contributing to a university is not just a financial transaction; it’s a tangible display of confidence in its programs and a meaningful way to give back to the institution and its students. I strongly advocate for the idea that if you have the means to contribute, you should, with the understanding that education should be accessible to everyone.

How do you hope your challenge encouraged others to participate in the Day of Giving and contribute to the university’s goals?
As a current student at Frontier, I hope my active participation in the Day of Giving served as a rallying call for fellow students. I see participation not just as a financial contribution but as a vote of confidence in the university and the programs that shape our academic journeys. It’s a collective effort that strengthens the bond within our community and reinforces the shared commitment to the growth and success of Frontier.

Can you share any specific experiences or insights that influenced your commitment to FNU and made you want to support the university philanthropically?
Midwifery holds a special place in my heart, driven by a profound belief in the necessity of improved access to women’s healthcare. My commitment to contribute stems from a desire to encourage others to join this profession and support the program that educates a substantial portion of our nation’s midwives. Through its inclusive approach and dedication, Frontier ensures that the doors to midwifery are open to all who aspire. My philanthropic efforts aim to contribute to this outreach, playing a role in making midwifery education accessible to a broader audience. I want to be a part of Frontier’s mission to shape a future where quality women’s healthcare is not just a goal but a reality for all.

Frontier Nursing University was founded in 1939 as the Frontier Graduate School of Midwifery. FNU has since grown to become one of the largest nonprofit universities in the United States for advanced nursing and midwifery education. There are many ways to get involved with and support Frontier Nursing University year round. Learn more here.

March 19, 2024
Student Spotlight: Makayla Howard, RN, finds herself at home within the FNU Community

At the heart of Frontier Nursing University is a talented and diverse community of students, alumni, faculty, staff, couriers and preceptors. Spotlight blogs feature members of our FNU community who are focused on the mission of educating nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners to deliver quality healthcare to underserved and rural populations.

For Frontier Nursing University student MaKayla Howard, the decision to enroll at FNU was highly influenced by the compassionate and personable nature of the university’s staff. According to Howard, who is from Ohio, the university’s Culture of Caring was made apparent to her early in the process of enrollment, exemplified by a personal card from an enrollment coordinator that she now has on display in her home.

“It really made me feel that this university was completely different from others in the past that I have applied to or attended,” she said. “That meant a lot to me from the start, and I’ve felt that the entire way from my professors and from all the faculty that I’ve met.”

“MaKayla was such a joy to work with, and I enjoyed getting to know her during the admissions process. I am always delighted to meet and speak with students on campus,” said FNU Enrollment Coordinator Susan Williams. “I am very passionate about Frontier’s mission. I work hard to help our students to achieve not only their dreams, but also Frontier’s mission of providing care to a diverse population in rural and underserved areas. I feel such a sense of pride knowing I had just a little to do with making our students’ dreams a reality. I tell my students that ‘their success is our success,’ and I truly believe that.”

With such a strong appreciation for FNU’s culture, Howard created a “day in the life” video for nurse.org of her experience as a student beginning her journey. In the video, Howard provides a tour of FNU’s campus in Versailles, Ky., highlighting amenities available to students and delving into the university’s Campus Immersion Experiences, known as Frontier Bound and Clinical Bound. She also conducted interviews with FNU President Dr. Susan Stone and midwifery faculty members for the video, discussing the history and mission of the university, the Culture of Caring, the university’s focus on graduate nursing and more.

Currently studying nurse-midwifery at FNU, Howard’s interest in childbirth-centered careers began during high school. Discovering nurse-midwifery, she said she was captivated by its compassionate healthcare approach. Intrigued by the historical significance of nurse-midwives in serving women and families, she said she feels proud to continue this tradition.

Howard said FNU’s Campus Immersion Experiences have further solidified her appreciation for the university. The three-day Frontier Bound event provides a supportive environment for students to meet peers and faculty, fostering a sense of community and preparedness. Meanwhile, the five-day Clinical Bound offers hands-on learning opportunities and facilitates face-to-face interactions with faculty, enhancing skill acquisition and communication.

“I’m so passionate about FNU because this is so unique for a distance-based program to have a three-day, in-person event for other students to come together and meet each other,” Howard said. “It fosters a sense of community and it really just prepares you to know what to expect as you go through your master’s program.”

Howard said meeting faculty members in-person also makes a major difference.

“You see how passionate they are for the university as well and how caring and committed they are to your success,” she said. “I personally have never felt that before in my college experience.”

As MaKayla continues her educational journey, FNU eagerly anticipates her future accomplishments and appreciates her enthusiasm for showcasing the attributes that make the university special! Watch MaKayla’s video here:

Learn more about advanced practice nursing degrees and specialties at Frontier Nursing University. Subscribe to our blog for the latest news and events at FNU and to get inspired with stories featuring our alumni, students, faculty, preceptors and staff!

March 14, 2024
FNU Receives AACN Inclusive Excellence, Belonging, and Sustainability in Nursing Education Award

Frontier Nursing University (FNU) has received the 2023 award for Inclusive Excellence, Belonging, and Sustainability in Nursing Education, presented annually by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) to a private college or university. This award recognizes outstanding contributions made by a school of nursing that champions inclusive excellence, belonging, and sustainable, innovative strategies in nursing education. FNU previously received the AACN Diversity, Inclusion, and Sustainability in Nursing Education Leadership Award in 2021.

FNU Dean of Inclusive Excellence and Student Success Dr. Paula Alexander-Delpech, Ph.D., PMHNP-BC, APRN, represented FNU at AACN’s Diversity Symposium, Feb. 5-7. In addition to receiving the award on FNU’s behalf, Dr. Alexander-Delpech presented Frontier Nursing University: Creating a Lasting Culture of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

FNU Dean of Inclusive Excellence and Student Success Dr. Paula Alexander-Delpech, Ph.D., PMHNP-BC, APRN, represented FNU at AACN’s Diversity Symposium, Feb. 5-7. (Photo courtesy of AACN, www.aacnnursing.org/membership/volunteer-engage/aacn-awards/dei).

“We are thrilled and honored to receive AACN’s Inclusive Excellence, Belonging, and Sustainability in Nursing Education Award,” said FNU President Dr. Susan Stone, DNSc, CNM, FACNM, FAAN. “We are very proud of our progress in weaving diversity, equity, and inclusion into the fabric of the university. While we still have much work to do, we are intent on creating and maintaining a culture that reflects our mission and will forever be part of the identity of Frontier Nursing University.”

Recognizing the importance of DEI not only in society but also in healthcare, where data clearly shows that culturally concordant care results in improved outcomes, FNU made DEI a strategic priority over 15 years ago. The results have included a more diverse faculty and staff, as well as the enrollment of students of color rising from 9 percent in 2010 to over 30 percent today.

“Our data tells us that we have made significant progress,” Dr. Alexander-Delpech said. “But beyond the numbers, we also have a better overall understanding and awareness of the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Everyone should feel safe, welcomed, heard, and included, and we are committed to striving to reach that standard every day.”

Frontier Nursing University’s 14th annual Diversity Impact Conference will be held on July 18-19, 2024. The theme of this year’s conference is “Representation Matters: Breaking Down Contributing Factors of Health Inequities.” This virtual event features nationally recognized experts and is open to all interested parties. Online registration will be open at Frontier.edu soon.

March 13, 2024
Student Spotlight: Ify Obi pursuing PMHNP to support expecting mothers in tribal communities

At the heart of Frontier Nursing University is a talented and diverse community of students, alumni, faculty, staff, couriers and preceptors. Spotlight blogs feature members of our FNU community who are focused on the mission of educating nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners to deliver quality healthcare to underserved and rural populations.

For 15 years, FNU Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) student Ifeyinwa “Ify” Obi, RN, MSN, CNM, has provided antepartum, intrapartum, and prenatal care as a nurse-midwife in tribal health, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and rural areas throughout Alaska, the Navajo Nation, and Arizona. Obi is currently practicing in Fort Defiance, Arizona, at Tsehootsooi Medical Center, where the population is predominantly Native American. In serving these underserved populations, Obi has made a tremendous impact in caring for women who typically endure higher rates of maternal complications, infant mortality, and teen births.

Ifeyinwa “Ify” Obi, RN, MSN, CNM, pictured on Frontier Nursing University’s campus.

Throughout her career, Obi noticed how behavioral and mental health problems in women seeking reproductive care were more likely to go unaddressed in rural areas – the very places where women already faced an increased risk of developing perinatal mental illness, like depression and anxiety, as compared to their suburban and urban counterparts. These disparities were even more pronounced among rural women of color. For this reason, after graduating as a PMHNP, Obi would like to continue practicing in underserved populations.

According to 2022 data from the CDC, mental health conditions and hemorrhage were the most common underlying causes of death among American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN) people, accounting for 50% of deaths with a known underlying cause. Research supported by the Commonwealth Fund in 2023 found that maternal mortality rates are rising across all races and ethnicities in the U.S. — Black women are dying at nearly triple the rate of white women, and Native American women at double the rate.

“The issue goes beyond inadequate resources,” Obi said. “Women in rural areas have inadequate knowledge and awareness of the importance of seeking perinatal mental health care services.”

Obi recognized that many mothers were unfamiliar with the signs of mental illness, such as low self-esteem and mood, or they attributed their symptoms to hormones or tiredness. Other women withheld negative feelings because they feared their babies might be taken away, while some grappled with being labeled as a “bad mum” for seeking help. Moreover, of the extremely limited mental health services available to Obi’s patients, none of them were mother-centered.

“I believe that practitioners must work to identify and address all of these barriers,” Obi said. “Living and working in rural areas has allowed me to connect with women from diverse backgrounds and empower them to take charge of their health, and to reduce the stigma associated with mental health.”

As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner student at FNU, Obi is expanding her knowledge to better help the women she serves. Once certified, Obi will continue educating childbearing women on subjects like postpartum depression, mood disorders, anxiety, breastfeeding, overall mental well-being, and more.

“Pregnancy is a stressful event for mothers that can either worsen existing mental illnesses or cause new mental health disorders,” Obi said. “As a PMHNP, I can help these patients overcome their daily obstacles, which I find rewarding.”

“Nearly 25% of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. are related to mental health issues such as suicide or overdose related to addiction. It is critical that health care providers are educated to treat these issues. Data also overwhelmingly demonstrate that culturally congruent care improves patient outcomes by emphasizing interactions between patients and practitioners based on empathy and respect,” FNU President Dr. Susan Stone said. “That is the type of care that nurse practitioners and nurse-midwives are trained to provide. It is vital that we increase the number and diversity of the nurse practitioner and nurse-midwifery workforce to combat the tragically high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity in our country. I congratulate Ify for seeking further education to treat these conditions.”

“FNU’s dedication to amplifying underrepresented voices is truly commendable,” Obi said. “Together, we can make a difference and create a more equitable healthcare system.”

Thank you Ify for your dedication to better mental health for underserved mothers. Learn more about Ify in FNU’s upcoming CNEP documentary, in which her story is featured. Here’s a preview:

Learn more about advanced nursing degrees and specialties at Frontier Nursing University. Subscribe to our blog for the latest news and events at FNU and to get inspired with stories featuring our alumni, students, faculty, preceptors and staff!

March 6, 2024
Faculty/Staff Spotlight: Circle of Caring recipients Zach Young and Tyler Smith

At the heart of Frontier Nursing University is a talented and diverse community of students, alumni, faculty, staff, Couriers and preceptors. Spotlight blogs feature members of our FNU community that are focused on the mission of educating nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners to deliver quality health care to underserved and rural populations.

The Circle of Caring Award is given to recognize FNU faculty and staff members who go above and beyond in upholding our mission and contributing to our Culture of Caring.

Zach Young: Empowering success through resources

As a faculty member with a background in Political Science and Library Science, FNU Circle of Caring recipient Zach Young plays a pivotal role in supporting students and faculty members alike. Young’s primary focus at FNU is aiding students in accessing resources crucial for their assignments and assisting faculty members in their research endeavors.

Young attests to the open lines of communication and collaborative spirit at FNU, where, as a librarian, he feels an integral part of the faculty, contributing significantly to the academic journey of students and faculty members.

“At a lot of other institutions, it can be hard to build relationships with faculty as a librarian. Here at FNU, the lines of communication are open,” he said. “If we notice students asking a lot of questions about one assignment, we are encouraged to reach out to the course faculty and offer our assistance. Faculty are usually surprised at the value we can add to their assignments and courses.”

FNU students who have attended Fronter Bound agree, sharing, “Zach, the librarian, has great energy during his presentation! He was hilarious and I loved that he played music. He was such a great help with the information he shared all while making us laugh as well.” Another student said, “Zach the librarian was extremely engaging and helped me feel like I will always have a person to turn to when assignments get overwhelming.”

Recognizing the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Young said he embraces the opportunity to engage with a diverse community at FNU, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives thrive and enrich the university’s overall educational experience.

“It has opened my eyes to various cultures and research interests that I would never have been exposed to at other institutions,” he said.

Outside of his work with FNU, Young enjoys playing tennis, spending time with his wife and dogs, board games and traveling.

Tyler Smith: Nurturing technological support and teamwork

With eight years of service at FNU, Circle of Caring recipient Tyler Smith serves as an IT Support Analyst. His daily work revolves around providing crucial technical assistance to staff, faculty and students, ensuring their seamless interaction with Frontier’s technology infrastructure.

Smith said he was drawn to FNU due to its strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork, evident in the collaborative efforts displayed daily. He said he recognizes the Culture of Caring at FNU as a cornerstone.

“I see evidence of the Culture of Caring throughout Frontier with each individual’s readiness to help to make a positive experience or difference in their roles,” he said.

Understanding the significance of DEI, Smith emphasizes the need for inclusivity, aiming to connect with the world and spread the ethos of inclusiveness in every facet of his work.

“It is important that we understand and connect to the world around us to become more inclusive and spread that inclusivity each and every day,” he said.

Outside of his work, Smith enjoys playing games and watching the occasional movie marathon with his family, and also enjoys playing soccer and collecting trading cards.

Thank you, Zach and Tyler, for your unwavering dedication to the students, faculty and staff at FNU and your embodiment of the Culture of Caring in your daily work.

Learn more about advanced nursing degrees and specialties at Frontier Nursing University. Subscribe to our blog for the latest news and events at FNU and to get inspired with stories featuring our alumni, students, faculty, preceptors and staff!

February 29, 2024
Preceptor Spotlight: Precepting is a journey of mutual learning for Michelle Quale, FNP, CNM

At the heart of Frontier Nursing University is a talented and diverse community of students, alumni, faculty, staff, couriers and preceptors. Spotlight blogs feature members of our FNU community that are focused on the mission of educating nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners to deliver quality healthcare to underserved and rural populations.

Despite juggling a myriad of responsibilities to address the healthcare needs of her local community, Michelle Quale, FNP, CNM, dedicates time to passionately mentor the next generation of healthcare professionals through precepting. This includes guiding several Frontier Nursing University students throughout the years.

A resident of Glencoe, Minnesota, Quale serves as a family nurse practitioner and certified nurse-midwife with Glencoe Regional Health, working with a rural population. Her multifaceted role encompasses family practice, birth center, wound center, urgent care, hospitalist duties, and even providing healthcare services to the local jail.

With several years of experience in precepting, Quale has become a guiding force for numerous FNU students. For Quale, precepting is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s a journey of mutual learning. She said the enthusiasm of the students fuels her own passion for continuous growth and development.

“It facilitates our own learning,” she said.

April Trebelhorn, a colleague of Quale, credited her for playing a crucial role in encouraging her to step out of her comfort zone and pursue the essential steps for professional growth.

“Michelle has been an amazing preceptor and role model for myself. She is compassionate, organized, has amazing attention to detail and is a down to earth provider that her patients trust and connect with,” she said. “She has tremendous patience. I admire the time she spent with me explaining and answering questions. She pushed me to be the best version of myself and get out of my comfort zone, which ended in me feeling more comfortable with my next chapter of becoming a nurse practitioner. I will forever be grateful for her shared compassion and knowledge.”

Thank you, Michelle, for using your talents to serve your community and for sharing your talents through precepting.

To read about previously recognized preceptors or to nominate a preceptor, click here.

Are you interested in becoming a Frontier preceptor? Learn more here.

Learn more about advanced nursing degrees and specialties at Frontier Nursing University. Subscribe to our blog for the latest news and events at FNU and to get inspired with stories featuring our alumni, students, faculty, preceptors and staff!

February 27, 2024

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