Becoming a Living Organ Donor: FNU Staff Spotlight, Dee Morgan

April 27, 2023 By Frontier Nursing University

Seven years ago, FNU staff member Dee Morgan noticed an advertisement on the back of a vehicle looking for a kidney. She thought, “how sad.” A few days later she saw the call out on another car, then she heard it on the radio, and saw a story about it on TV. She did some research and learned about being a living organ donor.

“I felt led to go get tested. I didn’t tell my family,” Dee Morgan said.

She didn’t think she would be a match, but she quickly found out she was. By the time she made it through more testing, a donor was already found for that person.

A few years went by and she received a call from her daughter, Kennedy. Kennedy’s old high school athletic trainer, Walker Terhune, needed a kidney and she wanted her mom to try to donate to him. Soon after, Dee filled out the paperwork to do the testing to see if she was a match. She began the process in October of 2020.

“Within thirty minutes, the University of Kentucky Organ & Transplant Center called me to do the initial testing,” Dee said.

After doing the initial blood work, Dee had to go in for further testing such as a psychological exam, chest x-ray, family history, CT scan with dye, and more. Soon after, in January of 2021, she got a call back saying she was a match.

Dee and her Nephrologist Dr. Meera Gupta from UK – two weeks post surgery.

The hospital staff encouraged Dee to call him since she knew him. She sent him a text explaining who she was and that she wanted to talk to him.

“Fifteen minutes later he called me asking what he could do for me,” Dee said. “…well, it’s actually what can I do for you? I would like to donate a kidney to you.”

Walker didn’t realize Dee had already completed all of the testing and was ready to set up their surgery. He provided the contact information so she could begin the testing process.

“…No you don’t understand. I already went through the testing; I’m basically calling to schedule our surgery,” she told him. “He just sat there silent. He almost didn’t believe me.”

With Walker being a week away from starting dialysis, they scheduled the surgery for February 26, 2021. The surgery went smoothly, both recovered quickly, and “their” kidney is doing well.

“I’m shocked at how easy it was,” Dee said.

Dee and Walker still stay in touch today and celebrate their surgery anniversary. Dee has inspired her daughter to try to donate after she has a family.

Walker Terhune and Dee celebrating their 2 year anniversary of the surgery!

Dee Morgan & Walker Terhune Radio Interview on 590 WVLK AM

Central Kentucky man looking for a kidney donor, WLEX18 TV

Kentucky man gets new kidney after social media search, WLEX18 TV

How Can You Be a Living Donor

There is a common misconception that you can only be an organ donor after you die. Many people do not realize they can be a living organ donor and donate a kidney, part of their liver, and certain other organs and tissues.

According to HRSA, about 6,500 living donation transplants happen every year.

Organ Donation Statistics

To be a living donor, you must go through a complete physical exam, lab tests, and screenings for cancer and other diseases and complete a mental health evaluation and family medical history questionnaire. You must be 18 years old or older, be in good health, and fully understand the risks and benefits.

If a kidney donor ever finds that they are in need of a kidney, they are bumped to the top of the recipient list.

Walker and Dee at University of Kentucky Hospital raising a flag in honor of Donate Life Month in 2022.

If you want to donate to someone, but your kidney isn’t a good match, you may be able to do a kidney paired donation. According to UNOS, this, also known as a kidney exchange, is when two or more pairs of living donors swap kidneys to make a compatible match. By the end, each recipient receives a compatible transplant. Read about this “kidney chain” that took place involving 12 people and 6 states.

April is National Donate Life Month. Visit DonateLife.net to learn more about how you can become a donor today. Visit this website to contact the Kentucky Organ Donation Affiliate.

Celebrating Women’s History Month with FNU Staff

March 26, 2023 By Frontier Nursing University

March is Women’s History Month. During this time, we aim to celebrate and recognize women’s achievements in history, raise awareness against bias, and take action for equality. To celebrate, Frontier Nursing University (FNU) will highlight some of our female staff members. We asked them who they look up to and for advice and encouragement.

Read Last Years Women’s History Month Blogs:

Megan Cadwell with her family

Megan Cadwell, Assistant Director of Clinical Credentialing

Read Megan’s spotlight story

1. Who is a woman you look up to and why?
My grandmother was the cornerstone in my life. The values I hold to this day come from her and the barriers she overcame to have an opportunity for her 3 girls to have a better life. I want to also say I look up to all women I work with, not only in our Credentialing Unit but each colleague at FNU. I feel any woman at FNU has been a pioneer for their department, unit, and our students; They are leading the way for a better tomorrow for healthcare in the United States. It’s a blessing to see every member, faculty and staff, who work to make a better tomorrow for our students and the communities across the U.S.

2. What advice would you give to women in your field or young women in the workplace/preparing the enter the workforce?

How we treat one another impacts someone else’s experiences. Strive to do your best. For each genuine ounce of compassion and positivity, you provide, you are making the world a better place one interaction at a time. A little compassion goes a long way.

3. Is there anything you would like to share to empower women or encourage people to create change that positively impacts women?

Look at what we’ve overcome. Even when something feels unattainable or mistakes or made, we can always learn from the experience and reach for another goal. Reflecting on the progress you’ve made and what work is ahead is key to helping achieve your goals. Never give up, just pivot.

Samana Upadhyaya

Samana Upadhyaya, Process & Application Developer

Read Samana’s spotlight story

1. Who is a woman you look up to and why?

I always look up to my mom. She is my role model. I came from a family of only daughters. My mom was always there to support her daughter’s education and teach us to be strong during difficult times and work for the goal. She always taught us to never give up. She says “It’s ok if you fall but don’t give up; stand back and try again. The person who rides the horse the first time might fall down but can get up and ride back again to reach the destination.”

2. What advice would you give to women in your field or young women in the workplace/preparing the enter the workforce?

As I am a proud woman in Technology who graduated with a Computer Engineering major, I would like to encourage all those women who are interested in this field to come forward, enjoy it and face the challenge, and do their best. When I used to take computer engineering courses in college, there used to be just a couple of girls to study and take the challenge, but I never stepped back, and never gave up on my dream. I always felt supported by my friends and coworkers. Just believe in yourself and your dream, and work for it.

3. Is there anything you would like to share to empower women or encourage people to create change that positively impacts women?

As a woman, do not think that you can’t do some job, always go for the work you like. Always speak up for the things that you think are right, always lift yourself up and believe you can do it. Bring the change from within yourself, inspire others with your great work and support others who want to rise. You can be a great leader.

Samana’s Mother

Sarah Juett

Sarah Juett, Academic Advisor

Read Sarah’s spotlight story

1. Who is a woman you look up to and why?
One of my biggest role models has always been my maternal grandmother and the matriarch of our family. She overcame many difficult circumstances while maintaining this incredible warmth and fun-loving spirit. I was always in awe of her strength, kindness, and gender norm-defying skills.

2. What advice would you give to women in your field or young women in the workplace/preparing the enter the workforce?

It’s okay to not have it all figured out or to find your passions changing/shifting. The average person changes careers several times throughout their working life. Everything you learn and everyone you meet will be valuable along your journey!

Bobbi Silver

Bobbi Silver, Chief Advancement Officer

Read Bobbi’s spotlight story

“About a decade ago, I was in a class setting and the instructor asked the group to write down how each of us identify ourselves, then to rank the list. My list focused on being a mother, a wife, a leader, etc. I am all of those things and they are important to me, but nowhere on my list did I emphasize myself as a priority. I always think about that when describing myself. I am ME, first and foremost. I am a woman. I am a mother to two amazing young men, one in college and one in high school. It brings me so much joy to watch them doing the things they love most. I have been married for 23 years and my husband is a police sergeant overseeing a special victims unit. (Bum Bum….I know you heard the music, just like I do every time it’s said.) I am a staunch ally and accomplice to the LGBTQIA+ community. I am a mama to two dogs and a cat, all from the shelter. (#adoptdontshop) I am an Army brat and Army spouse (retired).

1. Who is a woman you look up to and why?
I don’t have a specific woman I look up to but appreciate all women who are courageous to say “I am not going to participate in the comparison game” that so often is put upon women. There’s so much pressure to look a certain way, achieve certain things, and behave in certain ways. I tend to eschew that and instead try to invest time in being and identifying as I truly want to be. That’s not easy but I am dedicated to that work. Don’t be afraid to champion yourself and pat yourself on the back because YOU are the one working so hard to make life work, whether you are juggling work, the home, kids, hobbies or all of those combined. Don’t be afraid to say “today, I thank ME.”

2. What advice would you give to women in your field or young women in the workplace/preparing the enter the workforce?

Advancement and philanthropy has been historically dominated by male leaders but that has been changing in recent years. Fundraising is an industry where I think women thrive because of the attributes required that women tend to be really great at. Attributes like attention to detail, the ability to juggle multiple priorities, and an innate ability to establish caring relationships. Women have great success at building quality relationships between donors and the organizations they work for. If you are a woman and want a seat at a table, any table, don’t be afraid to ask questions, to ask for a mentor, and to ask about how you can learn. If you aren’t given those opportunities, don’t be afraid to make decisions to put yourself first.

3. Is there anything you would like to share to empower women or encourage people to create change that positively impacts women?

As more and more women get into fundraising as a career, I find it imperative that women leaders like myself make an intentional effort to recruit, help develop, and retain diverse women into our fold. We need to do more to recruit diverse women into the fundraising profession. The richness of having diverse voices working in philanthropy helps inform better decision-making and is invaluable in how we reach our diverse donors.

Staff Spotlight: Jamie Wheeler, MA

January 17, 2019 By frontieredu

A key piece of the Frontier Nursing University (FNU) graduate online nursing specialty programs is securing a preceptor and clinical site. Clinical Site Facilitator Jamie Wheeler, MA, spends her days connecting students with the preceptors and clinicals that best suit their unique needs.

Because the preceptor and clinical search can be very challenging and stressful for students, Jamie’s role allows her to focus on one student at a time. She provides them with tools and resources to navigate through the clinical search and credentialing processes.

Jamie is also passionate about leading webinars and educating her students. Each term, she presents a webinar called “Clinical Search 101: Tips for Locating Sites and Preceptors” that helps students prepare for their time in clinicals.

“I enjoy giving each student my full attention and helping to walk them through the process of securing sites and preceptors,” she said. “I love building rapport with our students and making this challenging time a little less stressful for them.”

Jamie has been in her position with FNU for six years, coming from a Student Affairs background at the University of Kentucky.

She chose Frontier because of its mission and dedication to serving rural and underserved populations. As a rural, northern Wisconsin native, Jamie felt at home at FNU and has found community amongst the staff and students.

“I truly have terrific colleagues and friendships here,” she said. “I am part of an amazing team!”

Jamie was also thankful for the FNU community as she became a mother. Though midwifery care was not initially on her radar, Jamie decided to seek a nurse-midwife for her pregnancies. In the two-minute video below, she talks about her decision and the impact it had on her birthing experience.

“Frontier was a wonderful place to be through two healthy pregnancies. It was awesome to have CNMs that answered my questions and supported me,” she said.

While she’s not in the office, Jamie loves cooking, baking, reading, being outside and spending time with her husband and two young daughters.

Thank you for the dedicated work that you do for our students, Jamie!

Staff Spotlight: Andrew Dezarn

May 24, 2018 By frontieredu

Andrew Dezarn has been “answering the call” at Frontier Nursing University (FNU) for eight years this May. Andrew is the Associate Director of Financial Aid at FNU, contributing to the mission every day by providing students with ways to fund their education and professional growth.

Andrew grew up just 30 miles away from FNU’s Hyden, Ky. campus in Manchester, Ky., where he first heard about FNU. With a bachelor’s in history, he was drawn to FNU as an established, positive force in southeast Kentucky and beyond.

Andrew’s role in the financial aid office is as satisfying for him as it is helpful for the students he meets with.

“Working in financial aid allows me to help students achieve their goals of becoming FNPs and midwives,” said Andrew. “Financial aid can be intimidating for a lot of people, so it’s nice to be able to guide our students through the process and hopefully make it less stressful for them.”

Andrew works with four other co-workers in the Financial Aid Office and loves being a part of FNU’s mission.

When he’s not providing financial advice for FNU students, Andrew spends time with his friends and family, particularly his niece. He also loves reading about, watching shows on, and fixing up cars.

Thank you, Andrew, for serving the Frontier 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 health care to underserved and rural populations.

FNU Announces 2017 Fall Term Circle of Caring Award Winners

February 8, 2018 By frontieredu

Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is pleased to announce Tonya Nicholson as the faculty recipient and Kayla Turner as the staff recipient of the Fall Term Circle of Caring Award.

This award is a recognition for Frontier faculty and staff who go above and beyond everyday duties and strive to uphold FNU’s mission and Culture of Caring.

Nominations for this inaugural award were submitted anonymously by faculty, staff and students. A committee then voted on each nomination based on the following Culture of Caring characteristics: professionalism, mutual support, respect, positive communication and inclusivity.

Tonya Nicholson serves as the Associate Dean of Midwifery and Women’s Health at Frontier, using her decade of nurse-midwifery experience to aid her teaching.

The following statement was included in Tonya’s nomination:

“Tonya has twice sent me handwritten cards of encouragement regarding my son’s medical treatment that we have been going through for two years now. These unexpected notes that come in the mail are such a thoughtful gesture and really make me feel supported by her, especially since she has experienced her own child’s long recovery and all that entailed. I know that she sends notes and cards to others on a regular basis, and I’m sure they also make those individuals feel uplifted.”

Kayla Turner is the Hyden Campus Receptionist at Frontier. She answers all phone calls, processes the campus mail, completes office supply inventory and ordering, provides administrative support to faculty, and is the first face many new students see when they arrive on campus.

This statement was also submitted with Kayla’s nomination:

“Kayla has gone the extra mile to help the admissions department check in students, make name badges, etc. She also ran to the aid of the cooks when they had a kitchen fire. Kayla volunteered to use her own time, off the clock, to go purchase 50 coats for FNU to give to needy children in Hyden. She didn’t just make a quick stop at one store. She shopped around in different stores, choosing coats of quality, for the right price, and buying as many as possible so that every child on her list received a nice coat. This is not the first time I have witnessed her mutual support, respect, professionalism and inclusivity. It is an honor to work with such a responsible and helpful person.”

Tonya and Kayla will receive a framed certificate and a $50 gift card, and will be featured in various Frontier communications.

Thank you, Tonya and Kayla, for embodying the FNU spirit of community and caring.Do you know an FNU staff or faculty member that goes above and beyond? Nominate them now for the Circle of Caring Award!

Staff Spotlight – Carisa Lipp

October 12, 2017 By frontieredu

Carisa Lipp has been working with students at Frontier Nursing University (FNU) since the establishment of Frontier’s advising center in 2014.

With a bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies, Carisa has enjoyed initiating and maintaining relationships with nursing students for over three years. The goal of the Academic Advising team at FNU is to meet regularly with all students to provide support and guidance from the point of admission to graduation.

Carisa came to Frontier after working with Health Access Nurturing Development Services, also known as HANDS. HANDS is a public health program for first-time parents. According to Carisa, the program opened her eyes to the importance of maternal and family health in shaping an entire family.

Now, Carisa’s passion for supporting students is what helps her excel as an academic advisor.

“I enjoy student interaction and love the premise of helping families and children,” she said. “I believe a friendly smile or voice can be the motivation to keep moving through a difficult course or term.”

Her work to make people feel supported extends beyond the FNU community. Carisa actively volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, The Salvation Army, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

Outside of work and volunteering, Carisa spends time with her new husband and three kids at a variety of soccer games, basketball games, track meets and play practices.

Thank you, Carisa, for serving the Frontier 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 that are focused on the mission of educating nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners to deliver quality health care to underserved and rural populations.

Staff Spotlight: Katie Moses

July 25, 2017 By frontieredu

At Frontier Nursing University (FNU),the first stop for potential students is through the admissions office. Katie Moses, an FNU admissions officer, is the frontline of customer service for these applicants as they consider pursuing an advanced practice nursing degree at Frontier. She and the admissions department, fluent in all facets of Frontier’s operations, walk applicants through each step of the admissions process and often go the extra mile to explain procedures, policies and detailed aspects of campus life at FNU.

“We literally, and figuratively, answer the call every day to grow Frontier’s influence in the nursing field,” Katie said.

Katie, who has been in her role at FNU for seven years, enjoys working with applicants through the admissions process as they seek to further their education in their chosen field. She wants to help students accomplish their nursing dreams, no matter the size.

“It is an honor to aid in one’s journey of self-fulfillment and betterment in any regard,” said Katie. “That is exactly why I am here.”

When seeking a career in higher education, Katie chose FNU because of its prestige within the Leslie County community and its strong reputation. She was welcomed by the friendly faculty and staff, and the quaint campus layout made her feel immediately at home.

Outside of the Frontier admissions office, Katie enjoys painting, sewing, reading, singing, playing upright/electric bass, and spending her time with her dachshund, Pepper, and her husband, Jeremy.

We are proud to have staff like Katie Moses that are dedicated in their service to FNU students and the FNU community as a whole.