Student Spotlight: Dr. Torica Fuller expands practice with Women’s Health Care NP Post-Graduate Certificate

February 20, 2023 By Frontier Nursing University

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.

Though she has a well-established career in nursing with an extensive educational background and several formal recognitions for her work, Dr. Torica Fuller, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC, FNP-BC, CDP, CGRN, CPN, NRCME, of Raeford, North Carolina, is consistently looking for ways to gain more knowledge in order to better serve her patients. That’s why she is currently pursuing her Post-Graduate Certificate in Women’s Health Care from Frontier Nursing University (FNU).

Dr. Fuller works as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) with the Cumberland County Department of Public Health in Fayetteville, North Carolina, serves as a clinical assistant professor with East Carolina University and as an adjunct professor with Fayetteville State University. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from East Carolina University; her Master’s and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certification from Indiana Wesleyan University and her DNP from East Carolina University.

Serving uninsured and underinsured pediatric and adult patients, Dr. Fuller has worked as an FNP in public health for the past seven years. As an advanced provider, she diagnoses and treats communicable diseases in the community with the goal to eradicate the disease as well as improve patient outcomes.

“We are the access to care for those who otherwise would not be able to receive healthcare due to cost or other social determinants of health,” she said.

Recently, Dr. Fuller helped to change the title of all North Carolina-based Nurse Practitioners, Certified Nurse-Midwives, and Physician Assistants who work in public health. The title was changed from Physician Extender to Advanced Practice Provider (APP) for the entire state of North Carolina.

Dr. Fuller was also named the founder and co-chair of the APP section of the North Carolina Public Health Association, and was recently named Ms. Norwayne Alumni 2022.

A Focus on Women’s Health

Set to earn her Post-Graduate Certificate in 2023, Dr. Fuller said her decision to further her education was influenced by her passion for women’s health.

“I have worked in women’s health for the past seven years and enjoy working in this speciality,” she said. “The FNP degree provided little studies regarding this topic, and I wanted to gain more knowledge in women’s health to better care for my patients.”

So far, Dr. Fuller said the most interesting course she has taken at FNU is Care in Normal Pregnancy.

“I was able to learn a lot and at the end of the course, I felt comfortable caring for a pregnant patient,” she said.

“Everyone is very supportive at FNU and every person that I have been in contact with has made me feel that they all want me to achieve my goal of becoming a Women’s Health Care NP.”
– Dr. Torica Fuller, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC, FNP-BC, CDP, CGRN, CPN, NRCME, FNU Student

Dr. Fuller recently started her clinical practicum, with one of the sites being a busy private OB-GYN that typically sees over 60 patients a day.

“I am able to obtain a lot of experience there with my preceptor,” she said.

Dr. Fuller said she chose FNU due to the flexibility and support afforded to students.

“I chose Frontier because of its focus on graduate nursing and the ability to obtain a Post-Graduate Certificate online. Also, I was intrigued with taking didactic courses and then focusing on the clinical courses,” she said. “Everyone is very supportive at FNU and every person that I have been in contact with has made me feel that they all want me to achieve my goal of becoming a Women’s Health Care NP.”

Outside of her work and studies, Dr. Fuller enjoys spending time with her husband, traveling and running half-marathons.

Thank you, Torica, for choosing FNU in your path to becoming a Women’s Health Care NP and for dedicating yourself to underserved patients in your community. We are excited to add Dr. Fuller to FNU’s faculty this April as the Clinical Transitions Coordinator for our FNP program.

Featured Preceptor: Freda Hubbard goes above and beyond for students

February 15, 2023 By Frontier Nursing University

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.

Throughout her time working as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Freda Hubbard of Bowling Green, Kentucky, has not only served countless patients, but she has also passed on her knowledge and passion to aspiring FNPs. Hubbard serves as a preceptor for students at Greenview Medical Group The Allen Clinic in Bowling Green, where she has worked for 11 years.

“I wanted to give back to my profession,” Hubbard said. “And, by working with students, I can be a part of their growth.”

Throughout her tenure as a preceptor, Hubbard has mentored two FNU students, including current student Amanda Moore. According to Moore, Hubbard consistently goes above and beyond in ensuring students have access to all necessary information, including options for licensing exams, the scope of practice in their area, and professional organizations that can benefit their careers.

Moore said Hubbard consistently ensures she is exposed to a variety of complaints when working with patients, and that when she is developing a plan of care for patients, Hubbard clearly discusses her rationale and approach to care.

“When working with Freda as a student, I can simply see her passion for continuing education,” Moore said. “She loves to teach students and pass her wealth of knowledge and skills onto future generations of nurse practitioners. It has been such a blessing to have this opportunity.”

At Greenview Medical Group The Allen Clinic, Hubbard serves pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients. She specializes in patient education, preventative care, wellness care, and chronic illness management.

In addition to her work as an FNP and preceptor, Hubbard also is heavily active in her community. She has given presentations on diabetes and metabolic syndrome and has conducted research on subjects such as childhood obesity and metabolic syndrome. She has written many health and wellness articles for local outlets, detailing the importance of colon cancer screenings and safety while exercising or playing sports. In 1995, Hubbard was selected as the Warren County Nurse of the Year.

Moore said Hubbard has not only made the transition from didactic to clinical learning as smooth as possible, but she has also served as a source of inspiration.

“I know that I will be a much better FNP due to her diligence and guidance throughout this learning process,” Moore said. “I can only hope to one day be a preceptor like Freda. She is truly a blessing to future nurses and nurse practitioners alike.”

For Hubbard, her motivation to serve as a preceptor comes from the satisfaction of seeing students grasp new concepts and the excitement it brings them.

“I enjoy working with the students and seeing them learn and grow in their profession,” she said. “It’s very rewarding to see them put together their classroom work with hands-on practice.”

Thank you, Freda, for the passion and knowledge you pass on through your work as an FNP preceptor, and for exemplifying FNU’s Culture of Caring.

Click here to read more Featured Preceptor stories and find information on nominating a Featured Preceptor. Those interested in becoming a Frontier Preceptor can click 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 and staff!

Alumni Spotlight: Fawn Workman, FNP, PMHNP, expands holistic wellness practice in 2023

February 8, 2023 By Frontier Nursing University

When Fawn Workman of Lynchburg, Virginia, decided to advance her career in nursing by pursuing her Master of Science in Nursing in a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program, she chose Frontier Nursing University (FNU) and earned her MSN in 2014. Four years later, she returned to FNU to add a Post-Graduate Certificate (PGC) as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

Workman has over two decades of experience in nursing care to patients and families of all ages and stages. Before attending FNU, she earned a Bachelor's degree in Nursing from Liberty University in Lynchburg, and an Associate’s in Nursing from College of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City, NC.

Since 2016, Workman has owned an LLC, now named Lifesong Health, while she worked for other organizations (including a children’s hospital and a community mental health center.)

“Over time, it became clear that my focus needed to be on providing ethical care in a way that aligned with my values and beliefs- and for me, that meant focusing on building Lifesong Health”.

Through Lifesong Health, Workman provides one-on-one care for her patients with psychiatric/ mental health needs.

“By offering a personalized practice experience, we focus on holistic wellness — mental and physical care,” she said. At Lifesong Health, the majority of Workman’s patients are working adults and college students who are away from their hometown (many of whom have spent time outside of the U.S. in their youth.)

“I thought I would be mostly doing telehealth, but many of my local patients love being back in an office and seeing a provider in-person. I enjoy it, too,” Workman said. “My accessibility makes it possible for them to be seen without long waits, and flexible enough to work around their schedules.” Via telehealth, she sees patients all across Virginia “from DC suburbs to military communities in Norfolk to rural mountainous southwest VA,” and enjoys the variety of communities she serves.

A lifelong learner, she is continuing additional education in psychiatry (including integrative approaches) and obesity treatment. In addition to providing mental health services, Workman has recently begun anti-obesity treatment/ medical weight loss support services through Lifesong Health.

"I chose to earn my FNP because I wanted to treat adults and children. I later went back for my PMHNP because I feel it’s an area close to my heart and another way I can make an impact."
- Fawn Workman, FNP, PMHNP, FNU Alumni

“I bring my experience as someone who personally knows the struggles of the chronic disease of obesity, and my patients seem to appreciate my ability to relate and feel heard,” she said.

Outside of her work in private practice, Workman also sees patients via telehealth for a free clinic for uninsured individuals of very low income.

“This is a vital need for underserved individuals, and I wish I could clone myself as there is so much to be done,” she said. “Even though I’m only contracted for a small amount of hours per month at a reduced fee, I often spend more pro bono to give back to the clinic and patients.It feels really good to give back.”

Workman said as she has advanced through her career, her experience at FNU has provided her with the knowledge to succeed. She is also thankful for the lifelong friendships and connections at Frontier.

“Frontier seemed to have a heartbeat,” she said. “I chose to earn my FNP because I wanted to treat adults and children. I later went back for my PMHNP because I feel it’s an area close to my heart and another way I can make an impact.”

Workman has contributed to a few published nursing books (edited by another FNU alumna.)

Outside of her work in healthcare, Workman enjoys gardening, painting and spending time with her grandson.

Thank you, Fawn, for exhibiting the unique knowledge and passion of FNU graduates by serving patients in your community and underserved individuals in Virginia.

Learn more about advanced nursing degrees and specialties at Frontier Nursing University.

Student Spotlight: Andres Soto pursues FNP to improve access to care in rural Texas

January 26, 2023 By Frontier Nursing University

As an emergency department nurse, Andres Soto of Temple, Texas, has made a few keen observations about the patients he serves. He said throughout his time in this role, he has been made aware of how many patients in his area use the emergency department as their primary care provider due to factors such as lack of insurance and the inability to see medical providers in a timely manner.

As a way to help address this issue, Soto is currently pursuing his Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in the Family Nurse Practitioner program at Frontier Nursing University (FNU).

“I want to be part of the solution by adding to the number of medical providers so these patients don’t find themselves stuck having to wait weeks or sometimes months to be seen,” Soto said.

Soto has served as a registered nurse for six years and currently works at Baylor Scott & White Health. As a registered nurse, Soto cares for both medical and trauma patients, ranging from patients with chronic health issues to acutely ill patients. He said because the hospital’s emergency department is the only Level I (Comprehensive)Trauma Facility located between Dallas and Austin, he serves many rural patients.

“Part of what I do to improve our healthcare system is teach patients — especially those with chronic health issues — how to better manage their health and comply with their medications so they don’t have to keep using the ER as a primary provider of care,” Soto said.

Set to graduate in 2024, Soto decided to earn his MSN through FNU at the recommendation of co-workers who are FNU alumni. He said since beginning his studies at FNU, he has been even better-equipped to serve patients.

”I have resources when I need help, there is tutoring available if I find myself struggling with a subject, and my instructors are always available and have done an incredible job at reaching out to me in a timely manner when I have a question.”
– Andres Soto, Student

“I serve my community by providing my patients with the best care and also stay informed on the most recent literature which I research on my own, and I have increased my reading thanks to attending FNU now,” Soto said. “This allows me to provide care which can lead to better outcomes for my patients in the hospital and to keep them educated out in the community.”

Soto said so far, his favorite course at FNU has been pathophysiology.

“It has allowed me to see how disease processes happen on a more detailed level than what I learned during undergrad,” Soto said. “Pathophysiology has helped me connect the dots and understand disease better.”

As the first person in his family to attend graduate school, Soto said he is motivated to demonstrate to his family that “anything is possible, as long as you work hard.” In his pursuit to earn his MSN, Soto said he has been impressed by the support he has received from FNU faculty and staff.

“I have resources when I need help, there is tutoring available if I find myself struggling with a subject, and my instructors are always available and have done an incredible job at reaching out to me in a timely manner when I have a question,” he said.

Outside of his career and studies, Soto enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking and playing with his dogs.

Thank you, Andres, for utilizing FNU to better serve patients in your community in your pursuit to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Debra Hunt helps students understand importance of healthcare advocacy and policy

December 16, 2022 By Frontier Nursing University

Since she was a child, Dr. Debra Hunt, PhD, FNP-BC, GNP-BC-CNE wanted to pursue a career in nursing. Now, she holds a PhD, has extensive experience in leadership roles on several medical boards and associations, and is an associate professor at Frontier Nursing University (FNU).

A resident of The Villages in Sumter County, Florida, Dr. Hunt earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from Valencia Community College in Orlando in 1991 and finished her undergraduate education at Southern Adventist University in Orlando in 1996. That same year, she enrolled in the Family Nurse Practitioner program (FNP) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) and earned her Masters in Nursing in 1998.

During this timeframe, Dr. Hunt dedicated her time to working in private practice and volunteering in her community. Through these experiences, Dr. Hunt said she became disillusioned with healthcare access in the U.S., especially in regards to those with HIV.

“I was frustrated and even angry about the way people with HIV were treated by medical professionals,” she said.

While teaching part-time at UCF in 2004, Dr. Hunt expressed her frustrations with the American healthcare system with a colleague, who challenged her to “put her money where her mouth is.” She accepted this challenge when she was accepted into UCF’s PhD program.

Through clinical practice, Dr. Hunt met several patients with young-onset dementia. Inspired by these interactions, she conducted a qualitative study to explore the lived experiences of young-onset dementia. The study took three years to complete.

“The experience changed my life,” Dr. Hunt said. “Being immersed with people my age who were living with dementia and willing to share their experience was an incredible journey.”

Dr. Hunt’s dissertation resulted in two published articles and inspired her to become an advocate for individuals with dementia. She earned her PhD in 2011.

“I was told that pursuing a PhD would change my life, and it did,” she said. “My worldview has broadened, and I see opportunities in nearly every life situation, good or bad.”

In addition to her current work with FNU, Dr. Hunt also volunteers as a primary care provider in the Central Florida area on a PRN basis.

“Caring for patients at vulnerable times in their lives is a privilege,” she said. “As a nurse practitioner, I can spend more time working with patients and the community on prevention and healthy lifestyles. NPs get to know their patients and spend the time that is needed to really impact the lives of our patients and their families.”

Over the years, Dr. Hunt has served on several medical boards and associations, and has been recognized for her work. She is the founder and was the inaugural president of the UCF Doctoral Nurses Association; was appointed by then-governor Jeb Bush to serve the South Lake Hospital Board; has served as director and as vice president of the Florida Nurses Association; received the UCF Alumni Achievement Award and participated in the development of new nurse practitioner geriatric certification through the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association. She also was heavily involved in emergency relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and regularly advocates for issues central to advanced practice nursing to legislators.

Dr. Hunt said her passion for advocacy in healthcare carries over into her work with FNU.

“In my Roles Course at FNU, I try to prepare our students to understand their roles and the importance of ‘having a seat at the table’ when it comes to healthcare advocacy and policy issues,” she said.

Dr. Hunt said she chose to work with FNU due to its reputation.

“Frontier’s reputation among other educators is very positive, even at a time when online education was suspect,” she said. “I enjoy working at Frontier because it affords me the opportunity to have more work-life balance.”

Outside of her work, Dr. Hunt enjoys spending time with her husband, three children and four grandchildren. She also enjoys volunteering, golfing, swimming, cardio drumming, watching local wildlife, fine wine and food.

Thank you, Dr. Hunt, for the extensive experience you bring as faculty member and for the excellent example you set for students at FNU.

Student Spotlight: Brandon Locklear provides culturally competent care to his Native American Lumbee Tribe

November 14, 2022 By Frontier Nursing University

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.

Frontier Nursing University (FNU) student Brandon Locklear, RN, BSN, has been a traveling nurse for the past year. He works in acute hospital environments, assisting underserved communities that are facing nursing shortages. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and will graduate in 2023.

He treats adult and elderly patients, and many suffer from chronic diseases such as heart disorders, diabetes, and lung diseases. Locklear strives to give back to his community by being a light in a dark place for his patients. He educates his patients about their chronic conditions and provides them with the skills they need for a better quality of life.

Locklear, a Native American Lumbee from Robeson County, North Carolina, provides culturally competent care to help the underprivileged people in his hometown. He says the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is culturally rich and undeniably unique. He notes this region of North Carolina has experienced a significant amount overdoses, suicides, mental illnesses, heart disease and diabetes. Locklear, as a native, hopes to help his people overcome these challenges.

According to the website, “The ancestors of the Lumbee came together in the shelter of this land hundreds of years ago – survivors of tribal nations from the Algonquian, Iroquoian, and Siouan language families, including the Hatteras, the Tuscarora, and the Cheraw.” North Carolina recognized the ancestors of the Lumbee as Indian in 1885. The tribal territory includes four surrounding counties: Robeson, Scotland, Hoke and Cumberland.

Locklear chose Frontier because he admired the school’s consistently high national board examination pass rates.

“It is crucial to me when selecting a school since students are a product of their instructors,” Locklear said. “I want to be educated by competent teachers, so having a high exam pass rate and being ranked the #3 best online family nurse practitioner master’s program was a win for me.”

As a highly analytical student, Locklear’s favorite course at FNU was Advanced Pathophysiology. He enjoyed delving into the inner workings of our bodies and seeing how they function and interact in practice. He feels Frontier has provided him with detailed lectures and the information required to become a competent Family Nurse Practitioner.

Locklear previously worked for UNC Health Southeastern providing cardiac and cardiovascular care.He recently married his wife, Jackee Locklear, who is also a Physician Assistant who provides culturally competent care in pediatrics in their region. He adores his “clingy” dog, Jasper. He has been a Christian since he was a child and is an active member of his church. He enjoys cooking, baking, and traveling to different parts of the world for vacation.

Brandon, thank you for giving back to underserved communities and for providing culturally competent care to your people!

U.S. Veteran and FNU Student Robyn Roche-Paull Helps Breastfeeding Mothers

November 11, 2022 By Frontier Nursing University

At Frontier Nursing University, we educate students to provide care to all individuals with an emphasis in rural and underserved communities. FNU Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) student and U.S. Navy veteran Robyn Roche-Paull, BSN, RNC-MNN, IBCLC is doing just that with the underserved community she belongs to, and has been for several years now.

Roche-Paull didn’t start out in the healthcare field. She was an aircraft mechanic in the U.S. Navy for six years. During this time, she met her husband and had her first child while on active duty, which brought on some major challenges. There was a lack of support and understanding for childbirth, breastfeeding, and caring for a child while on active duty. Policies weren’t in place, and it was expected that you return to your deployment six weeks after giving birth.

Once her enlistment was up, Roche-Paull left the military and went to get her degree using her GI Bill. While getting her bachelor’s degree in human lactation, she began doing volunteer work, helping new moms work through breastfeeding.

“I found I had a knack for helping others,” Roche-Paull said.

To complete her degree, she had to do a special project; she chose to do a pamphlet for active-duty women on breastfeeding in the military. This pamphlet turned into a 50-page PDF, which turned into a book!

“Breastfeeding in Combat Boots: A Survival Guide to Successful Breastfeeding While Serving in the Military” helps pregnant people in the military navigate breastfeeding while working through their long shifts, trainings, and deployment. The guide helps new active-duty moms successfully breastfeed their babies. At the same time, Roche-Paull launched a non-profit virtual consultation organization under the same name as the book and received her certification as a Lactation Consultant.

She visited military bases and gave talks to healthcare personnel and commanders on how to support breastfeeding women. Today, there are more policies in place to support and help breastfeeding women, but that was not the case in the late nineties to early 2000s.

Soon after, Roche-Paull went back to school to receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to become a registered nurse. She has since worked in labor and delivery and as a postpartum nurse. She is a two-time Daisy Award winner. Currently, she is solely a lactation consultant at Madigan Army Medical Center in Washington.

Roche-Paull calls herself a perpetual student. She began working towards her advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) degree to become a family nurse practitioner in 2020.

“I want to become a family nurse practitioner. I want to be able to do more because right now I am limited; I can’t diagnose, and I can’t treat,” Roche-Paull said.

We asked Roche-Paull why she chose the Family Nursing track over the Nurse-Midwifery or Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner specialty.

“Something people don’t realize is that you are taking care of mom and baby,” Roche-Paull said. “They are a dyad. You can’t work with one and not have the other included.”

Thus, Roche-Paull is working to become an FNP to be able to address the full picture and treat both mom and baby, rather than piecing the care together with several different providers.

“Midwives only see the baby up to six weeks, Pediatricians only see the child and obstetrician’s only see the birth parent, but breastfeeding can and should go on a lot longer,” Roche-Paull said.

Once she graduates, Roche-Paull hopes to open a Lactation Clinic that is run by an FNP for military people. She hopes this clinic is a “one-stop shop” for pregnant people wanting to breastfeed and that she can see them during pregnancy and after. She also hopes to offer support groups through this venture.

“I know that Frontier really focuses on serving underserved communities, and I really feel like this truly is an underserved community. It’s not one that you think of right away, but it is,” Roche-Paull said.

SIG meetings are held monthly and are facilitated by faculty, but students drive the goals and purposes of each SIG. During the meetings, the group talks about current issues and offers support to each other.

“We want to have a community because if you are not a veteran or haven’t served there are just certain things you don’t understand,” Roche-Paull said. “It’s nice being able to talk to other people who have been through what you have been through.”

Veterans Day is on November 11th. Roche-Paull offered some advice to healthcare professionals:
Ask your patient if they have any military service at intake, especially if you don’t have any military bases nearby.
Research how military service affects individuals; especially the psychological effects from PTSD and other issues like sexual assault or sexual harassment.

She also asks that everyone recognize that women are veterans too.

Roche-Paull and her spouse have three children and five cats. When she’s not working, you can find her on the leaderboard of a Peloton class, doing photography, or working on or racing her sports car. All this while sipping on an iced coffee, probably.

Another goal for the perpetual learner? Returning to FNU to get a Post-Graduate Certificate (PGC) in Psychiatric-Mental Health to better serve the perinatal population.

“I chose Frontier because I have run into so many people who have gone there. Everybody told me ‘go to Frontier!,” Roche-Paull said. “I love the ability that I can go to school when I can fit it into my very busy schedule.”

Robyn, thank you for recognizing this underserved community and providing care to pregnant veterans or service members!

To learn more about FNU’s top-ranked FNP program visit our website.

Dr. Rachel Risner Selected for National League for Nursing & Walden University College of Nursing Institute for Social Determinants of Health & Social Change

August 23, 2022 By Frontier Nursing University

Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is proud to announce that Dr. Rachel Risner, Ph.D., DNP, APRN, C-FNP, CNE, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, has been selected to participate in the National League for Nursing & Walden University College of Nursing Institute for Social Determinants of Health & Social Change. On August 8 and 9 Dr. Risner attended an orientation to the Social Determinants of Health & Social Change Leadership Academy, held in Washington, D.C. The orientation was the start of the year-long program, which is a key element of a groundbreaking collaboration between the League and Walden University College of Nursing Institute for Social Determinants of Health and Social Change, launched last year to bring about positive social change through focused professional development.

Dr. Risner was chosen through a competitive application process for her dedicated work in social determinants of health and social change, which address the impact of structural racism, socioeconomic status, environment, education, adequate housing, and food insecurity on health and wellbeing.

“We are so proud and fortunate to have Dr. Risner at Frontier Nursing University,” said FNU Dean of Nursing Dr. Joan Slager, CNM, DNP, FACNM, FAAN. “She is a dedicated leader with a strong commitment to FNU’s vision for educating our students about the social determinants of health and the delivery of equitable health care.”

In addition to her work with FNU, Dr. Risner has traveled as a consultant for government hospitals in the Middle East with American Gulf International Consulting and has taught the Certified Professional in Infection Control course in the Middle East with the American Institute of Healthcare Quality. She earned an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (RN) from Oklahoma City Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Oklahoma City University, a Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Frontier Nursing University, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a Ph.D. in Nursing Education from Oklahoma City University.

“My job, my goal is to teach, motivate, and inspire faculty, as well as oversee the curriculum at Frontier Nursing University,” Dr. Risner said. “I strive to be the person faculty look to for knowledge and guidance. My wish is to end each working day with a sense of accomplishment, knowing that I made a positive impact on at least one person I’ve encountered that day. I am looking forward to participating in the NLN Leadership Academy and engaging with other link-minded colleagues over the next year.”

“The National League for Nursing is delighted to join with the Walden University College of Nursing in this exciting new endeavor,” said NLN President and CEO Beverly Malone, Ph.D., RN, FAAN. “The year of planned activities focuses on scholarly writing, research, curriculum development, and building leadership competencies, all designed to facilitate their leading role in preparing future caregivers to provide outstanding culturally sensitive care while focusing on systems and structures that advance the health of our nation and the global community.”

“The caliber of this inaugural Leadership Academy cohort is a demonstration of how important the collaboration is between the National League for Nursing and Walden University’s College of Nursing for addressing the social determinants of health and social change,” said Dr. Andrea Lindell, RN, ANEF, vice provost at Walden University. “I am excited and proud that the selection of this distinguished group is another vital step toward making a profound change in health education and outcomes for vulnerable populations.”

The Leadership Academy is overseen by the NLN Center for Transformational Leadership. For more information, visit NLNWaldenSDOH.org.