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Frontier Nursing University Recognized for Excelling in Mental Health and Well-Being Offerings

Frontier Nursing University (FNU) has received the 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award from Insight Into Academia magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. The Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award is a measure of an institution’s individual programs and initiatives that significantly advance the core values of inclusive excellence and belonging through programs, initiatives, and many other campus priorities deserving of this national recognition.

FNU will be featured, along with 70 other recipients, in the September 2025 issue of Insight Into Academia magazine.

“We are deeply honored to receive Insight Into Academia’s 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award,” FNU President Dr. Brooke A. Flinders said. “Promoting psychological safety and holistic wellness is central to who we are as an institution. We prioritize the mental and physical health of our students, faculty, and staff, recognizing that well-being is essential to teaching, learning, and caregiving.”

“Student success is fundamentally connected to well-being. When our community members feel supported mentally, emotionally, and physically, they are empowered to reach their full academic and personal potential,” FNU Dean of Student Success Dr. Paula Alexander-Delpech said. “We recognize that learning happens best when individuals feel safe, valued, and equipped with the resources they need to thrive.”

FNU offers a wide range of resources to its students, faculty, and staff, including mental health resources, dedicated counseling services, and wellness initiatives. Further, FNU’s Safe Space for Students initiative creates protected environments for authentic dialogue and emotional processing during challenging learning experiences.

“We know that institutions are not always recognized for their dedication to their mental health and well-being services and support for their students and employees,” Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Academia magazine, said. “We are proud to honor these colleges and universities as role models for other institutions of higher education.”

A call for nominations for this award was announced in March 2025. For more information about the 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award, visit insightintoacademia.com.

August 6, 2025
Featured Preceptor: Cassandra Klakken Viramontes fosters collaborative spirit in health care through precepting

At the heart of Frontier Nursing University is a talented 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 work with all people, with an emphasis on rural and underserved communities.

FNU Preceptor Cassandra Klakken Viramontes, ARNP, FNP, provides care for area residents at the Grand Coulee Clinic in Washington. The clinic provides comprehensive health care, including family medicine, preventative care, and disease management, and is part of Coulee Medical Center, a 25-bed critical access hospital.

Klakken Viramontes has precepted three Frontier Nursing University nurse practitioner students, along with multiple students from other universities. She said precepting is consistently enriching.

“I always learn something from my students, which helps me be a stronger provider,” she said.

Klakken Viramontes said her decision to become a preceptor stems from her passion for education and her commitment to the nursing profession.

“My goal is to assist nurse practitioner students in successfully completing their programs and joining the much-needed ranks of family providers,” she said. “I also feel it is important to be a reasonable, guiding hand to clarify things I have been challenged with in real practice that students don’t often learn about in school. And, ultimately, I love to teach.”

For Klakken Viramontes, precepting is more than just clinical instruction. It’s a way to give back, stay connected to evolving educational standards, and foster a collaborative spirit within health care.

“We should not work in a silo,” she said.

FNU Regional Clinical Faculty member Joseph McFadden said Klakken Viramontes is transformational in her work as a preceptor. He said he witnessed her mentor a student who was struggling and in danger of failing clinicals, only to witness that student transform into a confident, capable entry-level provider under her guidance.

“She was also a very personable, very welcoming preceptor,” he said.

While Klakken Viramontes has mentored students from multiple programs, she said Frontier students consistently stand out.

“I am reminded every time how solid FNU programs are, and how the instructors have worked with the FNU students to prepare them for rural health care,” she said.

Thank you, Cassandra, for your dedication to teaching, commitment to rural health, and belief in nurturing future providers.

To read about previously recognized preceptors or to nominate a preceptor, click here. Are you interested in becoming a Frontier preceptor? Learn more here.

August 1, 2025
Graduate Spotlight: Auriel Ciccarelli, CNM, WHNP, driven by calling to service and community

At the heart of Frontier Nursing University is a talented 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 work with all people, with an emphasis on rural and underserved communities.

For Auriel Ciccarelli, CNM, WHNP, her journey in midwifery and women’s healthcare began with a passion for service and a deep understanding of the value of community, both of which were rooted in her upbringing.

“Even though we didn’t have a lot, we still gave back to our community,” she said of her family.

That early experience continues to shape the way she approaches her work today, whether it’s caring for patients or mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Ciccarelli earned both her Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) Post-Graduate Certificate (PGC) from FNU. Now serving as a CNM for Women’s Health Centers in Orlando, she remains a strong advocate for accessible, compassionate care and for the continued growth of the midwifery profession.

Ciccarelli’s professional journey has taken her from working as a Registered Nurse (RN) in her home state of Pennsylvania to working as a CNM and ultimately as a WHNP. Along the way, she’s carried with her the spirit of connection and support she found at FNU.

“Frontier Nursing University is a family,” she said. “It’s a community that you have that has your back while you’re going through the program.”

L to R: Bobbi Silver, Quincy Fuehne, Auriel Ciccarelli, Dr. Brooke Flinders, Caitlin Rivard

Ciccarelli said her Frontier experience was shaped by moments of deep connection, like her time at Frontier Bound, where she bonded with fellow CNM, WHNP and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) students, many of whom she keeps in touch with today. She credits a Frontier graduate who precepted her during her undergraduate clinical practicum, for inspiring her to apply to FNU and for modeling what it means to mentor with purpose.

Now, Ciccarelli is serving as an FNU clinical preceptor herself.

“I feel like part of my higher calling is to precept my students and to precept the future of midwifery,” she said. “If we don’t take on that calling, we will not have nurse-midwives to help women to deliver their babies and to advocate for them for their health and for their wellbeing.”

At Frontier Nursing University, preceptors like Ciccarelli play a critical role in shaping students’ real-world learning. They serve not only as clinical supervisors and educators, but also as mentors who help students navigate their unique paths into advanced practice nursing.

“I think it’s important to understand that every student comes from a different background and that their experiences are unique, and I learn from students every day,” she said.
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That sense of shared purpose is something she said carries into every aspect of her work.

“I love my job,” she said. “I can’t imagine doing anything else. I love my patients, I love my students, and it’s just a higher calling. Every day I’m thankful I’m able to do it.”

Thank you, Auriel, for your unwavering commitment to giving back to your community and for helping to train and inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.

To read more graduate stories, visit the FNU graduate stories page.

July 24, 2025
15th Annual Virtual Diversity Healthcare Conference: Free to All
Frontier Nursing University (FNU) will hold its 15th-annual Diversity Impact Conference on July 23-24. This year’s conference will be held on Zoom at no cost. The Diversity Impact Conference brings together renowned thought leaders and speakers to expand participant understanding on the topics of health equity and reducing health disparities in patient care delivery across healthcare settings.

The theme of this year’s conference is “Rising Strong: Better Together to Advance Wellness Initiatives for All.” The two-day event will feature keynote presentations on both days from nationally recognized leaders in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additional sessions will include panel discussions, breakout sessions, and time for reflection.

“This year’s theme reflects Frontier’s shared commitment to fostering inclusive, equitable, and impactful health and wellness practices across all communities,” FNU President Dr. Brooke A. Flinders said. “In today’s climate, the insights, experiences, and knowledge shared over the two days of this conference may be more relevant than ever.”

The opening keynote address will be given by Dr. Kimberly Jenkins Robinson, who is a professor at the University of Virginia School of Law as well as a professor at both the School of Education and Human Development, and the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. She is one of the nation’s leading education law experts and speaks throughout the United States about K-20 educational equity, school funding, education and democracy, equal opportunity, civil rights, Title IX and federalism.

We will welcome Dr. Kenya Beard as our keynote speaker on July 24th. Beard is the inaugural Dean and Chief Nursing Officer at Mercy University’s School of Nursing and former chair of the New York State Board of Nursing. A national health equity expert and transformational leader, she has shaped nursing education, policy, and practice across the U.S. Dr. Beard was a 2012 Macy Faculty Scholar and co-founded the Center for Multicultural Education and Health Disparities. She teaches at the Harvard Macy Institute and serves on the board of Public Health Solutions.

“We are increasing access to continuing education related to diversity in healthcare by offering this year’s conference free to everyone,” FNU Dean of Student Success Dr. Paula Alexander-Delpech, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FAANP, said. “The Conference keeps getting better each year and I’m excited to share that this year’s conference is approved for 8.25 continuing education hours.”

The learning outcomes attendees can expect to take away from the Diversity Impact Conference include:
- Identify current policies that impact wellness.
- Recognize strategies for effective collaboration across disciplines to promote wellness.
- Discuss advocacy for policies that prioritize the determinants of health and wellness.
For more information about the 2025 Diversity Impact Conference and to register for free, please visit frontier.edu/diversityimpact/. Conference speaker information and bios can be found here.

This activity is approved for 8.25 contact hour(s) of continuing education (which includes 0 hour(s) of pharmacology) by Frontier Nursing University. Activity #2507-001. This activity was planned in accordance with ANCC Commission on Accreditation Standards and Policies.
July 16, 2025
Frontier Nursing University announces new community health podcast

In an ongoing effort to improve community health and increase healthcare awareness through engaging conversations, Frontier Nursing University (FNU) has launched a new podcast — Real Talk: Community Health Care in Action. A community health initiative hosted in partnership with the Woodford County Chamber of Commerce, the monthly podcast premiered its first episode in April.

Hosted by Quincy Fuehne, Strategic Communication and Public Relations Manager at FNU, the podcast dives into a specific healthcare topic in each installment. Each episode features insights from an expert at FNU and occasionally incorporates community experts.

The inaugural episode of the podcast tackles “Managing Stress in Adulthood” and features Dr. Kevin Scalf (DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, CNEcl), Department Chair of the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Department at FNU, along with Dr. Carrie Davidson, Owner of Elemental Yoga & Wellness in Versailles. The episode covers all things stress, why we feel it, and how to handle it.

Additional episodes include “Beyond the Baby Blues”, featuring FNU faculty member Angie Chisholm (DNP, CNM), “Mental Health in Teens” with Dr. Latoya Lee, a Board-Certified Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and “LGBTQ+ Care” with Dr. Kristin Gianelis, a Dual Board-Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult Nurse Practitioner.

For future episodes, the podcast will cover topics including social determinants of health, veterans care, vaccinations and more.

“By partnering with the Woodford County Chamber of Commerce, we hope to improve community health here in Kentucky and across the nation,” Fuehne said. “Through engaging conversations with healthcare experts, we hope to provide an informational and educational platform for listeners on a range of pertinent health topics.”

Real Talk: Community Health Care is available on all major listening platforms. To learn more, visit frontier.edu/podcast.

July 8, 2025
Frontier welcomes seven new students for Courier Program Public Health Internship

This summer, Frontier Nursing University welcomed seven college students from across the country to its Courier Program Public Health Internship, a seven-week fully remote service-learning program with a rich and adventuresome history. The program is for college students with an interest in public health, healthcare, social work, or a related field.

The Courier Program Internship offers a unique opportunity for students to gain insight into the challenges and opportunities of providing healthcare in the United States. Students began the program with a three-day orientation on Frontier’s campus in Kentucky in June, where they bonded and learned more about the university’s mission. They will continue to connect and engage through summer readings, group discussions, and volunteering. This is the first year the program is being offered remotely, which allows students the opportunity to serve at clinical observation sites in their communities.

The Courier Program has a “Hearts On, Hands Off” approach to learning. Couriers learn by observing their clinical site with mentors, speaking with patients, assisting with special projects on health-related topics, leading events, and other projects. Couriers may participate in any activity which does not require formal medical or healthcare training. The goal is for Couriers to complete the program with a profound understanding and deep respect for the communities they serve.

We invite you to learn more about the 2025 Couriers:

Kennedie S.
My name is Kennedie, and I am from New Orleans, Louisiana. I am a junior studying Public Health and African American Studies at Saint Louis University in St. Louis, MO. I come from a large family, so one of my main hobbies is cooking. Some of my favorite memories are of cooking with my mom and grandmother before a big holiday gathering. I also enjoy sewing, watching/ talking about movies, and reading.

Monica B.
My name is Monica. I’m a junior at the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ, and I’m from Phoenix, AZ. I’m studying Medicine and minoring in EMS, Biochemistry, and Spanish. I’m a transfer student, and I originally went to the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY, where I met my husband. I currently am an EMT at my university, where we respond to Tucson Fire 911 calls on and around campus. I enjoy gardening, mushroom foraging, and swimming.

Olivia F.
My name is Olivia, and I am a rising junior at Augustana College with majors in Psychology, Creative Writing, and English. I live in the suburbs of Chicago, and I love traveling, writing, volunteering, and anything pink. A fun fact about me is that I also have a dog named Jax!

Olivia B.
My name is Olivia. I am originally from Westminster MD, but I am currently a junior at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. I am a kinesiology major with a career path in occupational therapy. A fun fact about me is that my family and I were on Family Feud. I love to read, be with my friends, and ride horses in my free time.

Peniel T.
My name is Peniel, and I am from Woodbridge, Virginia. I am currently attending Virginia Tech located in Blacksburg, VA. I am a junior majoring in Public Health planning to get my masters in Dietetics. For my career, I plan to become a registered dietitian and help create culturally sensitive programs for creating a healthy lifestyle whether it’s for students, families, or athletes. Additionally, I have a passion for helping minorities who are suffering from food insecurity. Some fun facts: I used to be a competitive jump roper and had the opportunity to compete at the ESPN complex in Florida. I also love cooking and doing fun physical activities.

MacKenzie S.
I’m MacKenzie. I just finished my junior year at Washington & Jefferson College which is located about 35 minutes south of Pittsburgh. I’m Pre-Med and a Bio major with minors in Chemistry and Gender and Women’s Studies. I’m involved in lots of things on campus, most notably in working as a Resident Assistant and competing on the golf team. My hometown is Edwardsburg, Michigan, which is right on the Michigan-Indiana border, and I’m excited to return home for the summer to be with my younger sister and my black lab Rooney. One fun fact about me is that I am a self-proclaimed bread enthusiast and have been perfecting my bread making skills for the past six months.

Zeta P.
Hi, my name is Zeta P. I’m a rising senior at Lincoln University majoring in Health Science with a focus on Sports Medicine. I’m originally from Philadelphia, PA, and began my college journey at Virginia State University before transferring to Lincoln after three years. Currently, I serve as an athletic training intern at Lincoln, where I’ve gained hands-on experience supporting student-athletes. My interests go beyond sports medicine—I’m passionate about all aspects of health and public health. A fun fact about me is that I’m also an urban model. I’ve been modeling for a little over three years, balancing my academic and professional goals with creative expression in the modeling world.

Frontier Nursing University Founder Mary Breckinridge established the Courier Program in 1928, recruiting young people to work in the Kentucky Mountains and learn about service to humanity. Couriers escorted guests safely through remote terrain, delivered medical supplies to remote outpost clinics, and helped nurse-midwives during home visits and births. Frontier has benefited tremendously from the 1,600 Couriers who have served since 1928. Learn more here.

June 23, 2025
Presidential Tour highlights remarkable work of FNU graduates

Since stepping into her role as president of Frontier Nursing University last year, Dr. Brooke A. Flinders has prioritized connecting with the FNU community. In 2025, she kicked off a Presidential Tour in the southeast region of the United States and plans to travel across the country throughout the year to meet with FNU graduates who are transforming healthcare in their communities. Each stop offers an opportunity to witness firsthand the meaningful impact of our alumni in a variety of clinical settings.

The first leg of the tour took Dr. Flinders and the FNU team through three states in three days: Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. The trip started in Atlanta, where we met with Brandi Milton, a graduate of FNU’s Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program, who now runs her own aesthetics and wellness clinic. Dr. Flinders and Dr. Susan Piper, Clinical Director for FNU’s PMHNP Program, toured Milton’s clinic to learn how she is supporting mental health and wellness in her community.

While in Atlanta, Frontier held a Meet and Mingle at the historic Mary Mac’s Tea Room with students, alumni, and faculty for a lively evening of connection.

Next, the FNU team met Lauren Brannon, a family nurse practitioner who specializes in gender-affirming care at Atrium Health Primary Care Northcross, located near Charlotte, North Carolina. The final stop in this leg was in Statesville, NC at Natural Beginnings Birth & Wellness Center, where we met three passionate FNU graduates: nurse-midwives Haley Swift and Jennifer Johnson, and women’s health nurse practitioner Kristen Shaver.

The second leg of the tour took us throughout Florida with stops in Miami, Tampa, Kissimmee, Altamonte Springs, and Orlando. In Miami, the tour kicked off with a Meet and Mingle with graduates, students, and faculty at the Doral Yard, joined by Dean of Student Success Dr. Paula Alexander-Delpech, Interim Dean of Nursing Dr. Diane John, and board member Peter Schwartz.

In Tampa, we had a chance to visit Lilia Passman at USF Midwifery in Tampa General Hospital. Notably, Passman’s team includes eight FNU graduates. Another meet-and-greet took place at Armature Works in Tampa, bringing together local graduates and students.

Dr. Flinders also spent time with Triana Boggs, a passionate homebirth nurse-midwife serving a diverse population with culturally centered care. Boggs shared insights on the importance of expanding birthing options and empowering patients through personalized care.

Further stops included a visit with FNU dual-graduate Auriel Cicarelli in Kissimmee, whose dedication as a nurse-midwife and preceptor exemplifies the Frontier spirit. We then joined graduate Kaleen Richards at Tree of Life Birthing Center in Altamonte Springs where FNU students presented a variety of cases they experienced during the clinical placement of their education.

The Presidential Tour will continue this month in the Northwest, with stops in California, Oregon and Washington. A Northeast tour will take place in August with stops in New York City and Philadelphia, while an Eastern tour will close out the year of travel in November with stops in Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland. We’ll be sharing highlights of the tour in our On the Trail Series on YouTube:

If you are an FNU graduate or student who would like to meet up with us on the Presidential Tour this year and share insights on your work in your community, please visit Frontier.edu for the full Presidential Tour schedule.

June 20, 2025
Frontier Mourns the Loss of Dr. Michael Carter

It is with extreme sorrow that we share the news of the passing of Dr. Michael Carter, who served as Chair of the Frontier Nursing University Board of Directors from 2009 to April 2025. Dr. Carter’s long history with Frontier Nursing University dates to 2003 when he joined what was then the Frontier Nursing Service Board of Governors. For more than fifteen years, Dr. Carter’s leadership was marked by his determination, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his extraordinary passion.

“All of us at Frontier Nursing University are heartbroken by the passing of Michael Carter,” said FNU President Dr. Brooke A. Flinders. “Michael was respected for his excellence as a practitioner, educator, and leader. He was loved for his kindness, generosity, grace, and beloved storytelling ability. Dr. Carter will be terribly missed, but always fondly remembered. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Sarah, daughter Elizabeth, and their entire family.”

Dr. Carter grew up on a farm in Missouri and went on to attend the University of Arkansas College of Nursing, earning his Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1969 and his Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in 1973. He served in the United States Army Nurse Corp from 1968-71 during the Vietnam War. He earned his doctorate in 1979 from the Boston University School of Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Tennessee in 2009. He completed a Fellowship in Primary Care Health Policy with the United States Public Health Service.

Dr. Carter practiced as a family and geriatric nurse practitioner and served as the Dean of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing from 1982-2000. He held many teaching positions including serving as an adjunct professor at the Curtin University School of Nursing and Midwifery in Perth, Australia. He also worked to develop nurse practitioner education in Australia. In recognition of his expertise and dedication to nursing in Australia, he was made a Fellow of the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners.

Dr. Carter’s extensive list of awards and honors include but are not limited to: Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing in 1982; Outstanding Alumnus from the University of Tennessee College of Nursing in 2000; Excellence in Teaching Award, University of Tennessee Health Science Center Student Government Association in 2005; Lifetime Achievement Award, National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties in 2015; the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Nursing’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2019. Shortly before his passing, Frontier Nursing University selected Dr. Carter as the 2025 recipient of its Lifetime Service Award in recognition of his unyielding support over many years.

During his more than 20 years at Frontier, Dr. Carter was instrumental in many milestone moments for the university. He was on the Board of Governors when what was then known as the Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing launched the Doctor of Nursing Practice program in 2008. Notably, he was the Board Chair when the university officially changed its name to Frontier Nursing University in 2011.

In 2017, under Dr. Carter’s visionary leadership, Frontier Nursing University made the pivotal decision to purchase property in Versailles, Kentucky, an investment aimed at expanding student access and supporting the university’s growth. That same year, FNU began taking applications for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN degree. Then, in 2022, after the completion of renovations and construction, Frontier held the ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opening the Versailles campus. Most recently, Dr. Carter initiated the successful search for and transition to FNU’s second president, Dr. Brooke A. Flinders, in 2024.

Dr. Carter was a staunch supporter of FNU over the years and provided many financial contributions to support students and FNU’s campus. In 2021, Dr. Carter, his wife Dr. Sarah Carter, and their daughter Elizabeth Carter, JD, announced a $500,000 donation to further the mission of FNU. The gift furthered Dr. Carter’s commitment and lifelong work to enrich the nursing profession across the globe.

“We are all deeply saddened by the passing of Michael Carter,” said FNU Board of Directors Chair Marcus Osborne. “His extraordinary leadership was exceeded only by his wisdom, kindness, and dedication to the care of others. The debt of gratitude that is owed to him is immense.”

It is through Dr. Carter’s vision and support that Frontier Nursing University has evolved into the remarkable institution it is today. All of us at FNU will dearly miss his wit, generous spirit, and unyielding devotion to our students and the nursing profession.

June 18, 2025

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