Wendover Bed & Breakfast | Frontier Nursing University

Frontier Nursing University Offers Donation of the Wendover Bed & Breakfast and Retreat Center to Leslie County non-profit organization

May 3, 2021 By Frontier Nursing University

Versailles, Ky. – Frontier Nursing University (FNU) announced today that it has offered to donate the historic home of Mary Breckinridge and surrounding properties to Leslie County Betterment, Inc.. In September of 2020, Leslie County Betterment, Inc. along with the Leslie County Community Foundation contacted FNU to request the donation of “the entire Wendover location (Big House, Garden House, Barn, Livery, Cottage, and Guard Shack) to Leslie County Betterment, Inc” with the goal to “utilize the facility for the betterment of Leslie County and its people…”

The proposed gift includes all land and buildings at what is now the Wendover Bed & Breakfast and Retreat Center, the value of which is estimated at nearly two million dollars. The property was the home of Mary Breckinridge and the Frontier Nursing Service. The decision to make the offer was made by the FNU Board of Directors at its meeting on April 29, 2021. The centerpiece of the property, the “Big House” was built in 1925 and is a National Historic Landmark. More information regarding the property can be found at wendoverbb.com.

“Wendover has been part of Frontier Nursing since our founding,” said FNU President Dr. Susan Stone. “Its incredible historical significance is perhaps only outshined by the many wonderful memories our students, faculty, and staff have made there. While we are sad to say goodbye to Wendover, we are very proud to be able to offer this gift to the people of Leslie County. We hope that it serves them well and that many more fond memories are made there.”

FNU is finalizing construction on its new campus in Versailles, Kentucky. The land, which was purchased in 2017, was the former home of The United Methodist Children’s Home. The new 217-acre campus maintains FNU’s presence in a rural county while providing more space to serve FNU’s more than 2,500 students.

About Frontier Nursing University:

The mission of FNU is to provide accessible nurse-midwifery and nurse practitioner education to prepare competent, entrepreneurial, ethical, and compassionate leaders in primary care to serve all individuals with an emphasis on women and families in diverse, rural, and underserved populations. FNU offers graduate Nurse-Midwifery and Nurse Practitioner distance education programs that can be pursued full- or part-time with the student’s home community serving as the classroom. Degrees and options offered include Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Post-Graduate Certificates. To learn more about FNU and the programs and degrees offered, please visit Frontier.edu.

Media inquires can go to: Angela Bailey, Chief Advancement Officer, angela.bailey@frontier.edu

Essay Contest Winners Celebrated at Scholarship Dinner

June 24, 2019 By frontieredu

Wendover, Ky – The Frontier Nursing University (FNU) Courier Program hosted a celebratory Healthy Futures Fair Scholarship Dinner at the Wendover Bed & Breakfast and Retreat Center on Wednesday, May 15.

The dinner was held in celebration of three Leslie County, Ky, students who received scholarships for their efforts in an essay contest that was held as part of the Healthy Futures Fair. This annual event aims to educate students and members of Leslie County and surrounding communities about available educational resources, STEM careers, community resources and wellness.

The dinner honored the winners of the 2019 Healthy Futures Fair Essay Contest:

1st Place: Jace Morgan, Stinnett Elementary School ($475.00 Scholarship Award)

2nd Place: Madison Simpson, Leslie County High School ($325.00 Scholarship Award)

3rd Place: Madilyn Coleman, Stinnett Elementary School ($200.00 Scholarship Award)

Awards were given by Sarah Osborne, 21st Century coordinator with Mountain View Elementary whose organization co-hosts the Healthy Futures Fair annually, and Austyn Caudill, AmeriCorps VISTA and FNU Courier Program assistant. After being recognized for their achievements and receiving their prizes, students were invited to share what Healthy Futures means to them and how healthcare shapes their region and life experiences.

Dinner guests sat in the Wendover Big House living room while some of Leslie County’s brightest students shared their award-winning essays with the group.

Along with the essay contest winners’ families, notable guests included Tara Dykes-Barnes, FNU Courier Program Coordinator, and Debra Turner, Wendover Operations Manager. Several community members were also in attendance: Diane Whitehead, operations at Stinnett Area Community Center; Rita Collett, operations at Stinnett Area Community Center; and Patrick Smith with AmeriCorps VISTA.

Thank you to all those in the community who joined us for this event and the Healthy Futures Fair! Together, we are serving Appalachia!

To learn more about the FNU Courier Program, visit frontier.edu/courier-program.

Second Annual “Operation: FNS Nurse Gift Delivery” Funds Christmas for Locals

January 23, 2019 By frontieredu

In December, Frontier Nursing University (FNU) teamed up with the AmeriCorps TASK VISTA to make Christmas special for 17 families in the Leslie County, Ky. community.

The second annual “Operation: FNS Nurse Gift Delivery” funded gift bags that contained 50 dollars’ worth of toys and clothing for local children and expecting mothers. The items in the bag were chosen specific to each recipient’s sizes and preferences.

The gifts were brought to the Leslie County Early Head Start center on Monday, December 17th, 2018, where Austyn Caudill and Tara Dykes of the FNU Courier Program delivered them dressed in FNS nurse uniform. Frontier Nursing Service (FNS) was founded by Mary Breckinridge in 1925 to improve health care access for the rural, underserved population of the Appalachian region.

The recipients were 14 children ranging from 0-3 years of age, and three soon-to-be mothers.

After the gifts, which were signed “From: Mary Breckinridge,” were given, the Couriers served snacks and taught the children about Mrs. Breckinridge’s service in Appalachia. Each child also received a tote bag with a candy and an apple, in keeping with a tradition Mrs. Breckinridge started during Christmas parties at the Big House in the 1900s.

Operation: FNS Nurse Gift Delivery was made possible by the Children and Christmas Fund at FNU. Donations from community members attending the Wendover Holiday Dinner were also collected and utilized.

The children of Appalachia still have significant need, and FNU hopes to expand the project to additional Head Start centers in the region.

For more information on the FNU Children and Christmas Fund and how to sponsor more events like this in Appalachia, please email Denise.Barrett@frontier.edu. Together, we are all serving Appalachia.

View photos from the event below.

: Children munch on Christmas-themed snacks

: The little ones enjoyed the day too!

: Children unwrap gifts from “Mary Breckinridge”

: Each gift was thoughtfully chosen according to the children’s preferences

: The parents loved watching their little ones open gifts

: FNU staff Austyn Caudill (left in Riding Uniform) and Tara Dykes (right)

FNU Hosts Wendover Community Holiday Dinner 2018

January 3, 2019 By frontieredu

Honored guests and friends of Frontier Nursing University (FNU) gathered for a holiday celebration in the historic Wendover Bed & Breakfast and Retreat Center on Thursday, December 13.

32 guests were welcomed to Wendover for the annual community holiday dinner. As is tradition, each was greeted with steaming hot cider and a crackling fireplace.

Guests included Hyden, Ky., Mayor Carol Joseph; Hyden City Commissioner Bill Napier; Leslie Co. Sheriff elect Billy Michael Collett; Leslie Co. Court Clerk elect Onzie Sizemore; and Director of Kentucky School of Bluegrass & Traditional Music Dean Osborne.

Hyden Mayor Carol Joseph & FNU President Susan Stone

As guests arrived, FNU Development Officer Michael Claussen conducted tours of the refurbished Big House, originally built in 1925. FNU President Dr. Susan Stone welcomed everyone for the annual event, highlighting this year’s special charity focus.

Before dinner was served, Janet Scott, a Chautauqua with the Kentucky Humanities Council, presented as Mary Breckinridge, entertaining guests with stories of the first Wendover Christmas.

The menu of garden salad, roast turkey with dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, glazed carrots, yeast rolls was paired with amiable conversation. Guests topped off the satisfying dinner with a slice of coal miners cake and ice cream.

Wendover Holiday Dinner 2018 Group Photo

Everyone enjoyed food, socializing, sharing stories, listening to holiday music, enjoying decorations and warmth of the fireplace under Mrs. Breckinridge’s portrait.

We thank the wonderful cooks that made this meal possible: Vickie Mosley, Samantha Joseph, Debbie Sizemore and Kymber Osborne. Thank you!

Plan a get-together or dinner event of your own at the historic Wendover Bed & Breakfast and Retreat Center. Find out more info and check availability here.

View the photo album of the 2018 Holiday Dinner here.

Guests:

Sandra Napier and son Jonathan – School Nurse for Leslie Co. schools, Wendover Advisory Committee, Leslie Co. Saddle Club

Dean & Sarah Osborne, and daughter Royce – FNU Trustee, Director of Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music

Janet Scott – Mary Breckinridge Chautauqua character with the Kentucky Humanities Council

Debbie Gross – Hyden City Clerk

Carol Joseph – Mayor of Hyden

Billy Michael & Lida Collett – Leslie Co. Sheriff elect

Amy Brudnicki – Former Leslie Co. resident, 2018 Wendover Advisory Committee Member

Onzie Sizemore – Leslie Co. Court Clerk elect

Bill Napier – Hyden City Commissioner

Michelle Wilson – Teacher at Leslie Co. schools

Debbie Farler – Teacher at LKLP Early Start head start program

Patrick Smith – Writer for Leslie Co. Newspaper

Diane Whitehead – Manager of Stinnett Area Community Center

Rita Collett – supporter

Shirley Collett – supporter

Burgess Collett – supporter

FNU Faculty & Staff:

Susan Stone – President of Frontier Nursing University

Shelley Aldridge – Chief Operations Officer

Michael Claussen – FNU Development Officer

Tara Dykes Courier – Program Coordinator/Development Officer

Austyn Caudill FNU – Courier Program Assistant

Michael Steinmetz – Executive Vice President for Finance and Facilities

Barb Gibson – Facilities Manager

Debra Turner – Wendover Operations Manager

2018 Year in Review

January 2, 2019 By frontieredu

2018 is wrapping up at Frontier Nursing University (FNU)! From individual student accomplishments to the Versailles campus acquisition, it was truly an exciting year to be part of the FNU community. Below are some of our highlights from 2018. Be sure to watch the “2018 FNU Year in Review” video at the bottom of the post as well.

Excellence in Teaching

Frontier’s MSN and PGC programs received continued accreditation from the Board of Commissioners of the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). ACEN granted the accreditation of each of the specialties offered in FNU’s master of science in nursing and post-graduate certificate programs, and the new psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) specialty, through 2025. The first PMHNP students graduated in March.

In July, FNU was awarded the Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW) grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The grant totals $1,376,800 in funding from 2018-2020, including $600,000 in student scholarships.

First Students Graduate from FNU’s Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program

Frontier Nursing University Awarded $1.3 Million HRSA Program Grant

Diversity and Inclusion

June held FNU’s eighth-annual Diversity Impact Student Conference. With workshops and activities revolving around the theme, “We Are One: Uniting Dreamers with Diverse Voices,” the four-day event helped attendees explore how to create meaningful connections within diverse communities. FNU was honored to receive the 2018 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education in October.

FNU Diversity Impact Celebrates 8 Years

A New Frontier: Versailles Campus

FNU is creating a new, accessible campus in Versailles, Ky. In September, FNU secured a contractor and began the renovations to several buildings and plots on the property. With expected completion tentatively set for 2020, you can stay up to date on the progress by subscribing for email updates or visiting Frontier.edu/versailles-kentucky-campus.

Read more:

FNU to Begin Work on Versailles Campus

Successful FNU Programs

From June to August, three Couriers served a vast number of Appalachian community members through their work in clinics and nonprofits. FNU also hosted its annual virtual events for National Midwifery Week (Sept. 30- Oct. 6) and National Nurse Practitioner Week (Nov. 11-18). Themed “Answer the Call to Service,” the free online sessions and continuing education opportunities provided participants with fuel to improve their leadership in the field.

Explore Sessions from This Year’s National Midwifery Week Virtual Event

What to Expect for FNU’s National Nurse Practitioner Week Virtual Event

Faculty & Staff Accomplishments

A couple of new staff and faculty members joined the FNU team in 2018. Debra Turner was brought on as the new Wendover operations manager, and Dr. Joan Slager was named dean of nursing. FNU President Dr. Susan Stone also received professional accolades when she was inducted as president of ACNM and elected to the National Academy of Medicine.

Several faculty members and alumni contributed to the American Journal of Nursing (AJN) book of the year. “Freestanding Birth Centers: Innovation, Evidence, Optimal Outcomes,” written by several FNU faculty members and alumni, was awarded first place in the 2017 AJN Book of the Year Awards in Maternal-Child Health.

Meet FNU’s New Dean of Nursing, Dr. Joan Slager, CNM, DNP, FACNM

FNU President Dr. Susan Stone Inducted as President of ACNM

Frontier Nursing University President Dr. Susan Stone Elected to National Academy of Medicine

FNU Alumni and Faculty Contribute to Textbook Awarded First Place in the 2017 AJN Book of the Year Awards in Maternal-Child Health

Student & Alumni Achievements

On October 26, more than 800 nurse-midwife and nurse practitioner graduates received their degrees at commencement. We wish each the best in their careers!

Alumni from 2017 showed the effectiveness of a properly-structured, affordable distance education nursing program as test-takers surpassed the national board examination averages. Graduates exceeded national averages in each of the CNM, WHCNP, FNP, MSN and PGC examinations.

FNU Awards Degrees to Over 800 Nurse-Midwife and Nurse Practitioner Graduates

We are so proud of our accomplishments in the FNU Community in 2018. The support from our friends, alumni, faculty, students, staff, and Couriers has been invaluable to our growth and success. We welcome 2019 with open arms!

2018 Couriers Complete Service with Crossing Ceremony and Celebration

November 5, 2018 By frontieredu

The 2018 Couriers officially ended their time of service at Frontier Nursing University with one final weekend of celebration and ceremony from August 8-11 in Hyden, Ky. The three Couriers served from June 18 to August 11, providing services to rural, underserved communities in Appalachia during their two-month tenure. Their final days consisted of the ceremonial “Courier Crossing,” as well as a graduation service and presentations of their individual experiences.

Although bittersweet about ending their eight weeks of service, Couriers James Rasmussen, Molly Craig and Dania Cervantes Ayala made several new memories to hold onto for a lifetime. During the Osborne Brothers’ Hometown Festival that was held the same weekend, they had one last opportunity to volunteer and serve at Frontier’s Wendover Bed & Breakfast and Retreat Center table, handing out informational brochures and promotional information on the B&B. The Couriers also felt the spirit of Appalachia come to life on the festival’s stage through the rousing Bluegrass music performances.

Couriers enjoy Appalachian Bluegrass at Osborne Brothers Festival

The regularly-scheduled Courier Crossing program continued with the Couriers’ graduation and traditional closing ceremonies. As in years past, each Courier walked across a local swinging bridge in Wendover to symbolize the crossing of their journey as a Courier.

A final Courier Crossing event was held at the Livery in the Wendover B&B. Each Courier gave a Powerpoint presentation, discussing their service and experiences as a 2018 Courier. The presentations truly reflected the passionate service and dedication this year’s Couriers had given to Appalachia! They can be watched here.

After the presentations, Frontier staff and Hyden community members sent the Couriers off with a community cookout.

The 2018 Couriers (l to r): James Rasmussen, Molly Craig, Dania Cervantes Ayala

The Courier Program and Frontier Nursing University would like to thank all community partners, advocates, and sponsors of the Courier Program. A special thanks goes to Breckinridge Capital Advisors for sponsoring this year’s Couriers and covering program fees, various travel expenses to service events in the Appalachian area and community project costs. Together, we are all serving Appalachia!

This has been yet another successful and service-filled summer of the FNU Courier Program. The program will begin recruiting for service learners interested in serving the Appalachian communities in the Hyden and surrounding areas in November 2018. If interested, please send all inquiries and questions to courier.program@frontier.edu!

In 1928, Mary Breckinridge, founder of Frontier Nursing University established the Courier Program, recruiting young people to come 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.

Courier Spotlight: Laura Lee Parrish

June 28, 2018 By frontieredu

Laura Lee Parrish’s life transformed when she went from farmgirl to Frontier Nursing Service (FNS) Courier in 1970. A Bourbon County, Ky. native, Laura was familiar with FNS when she began her journey 130 miles southeast to Leslie County. Little did she know how much of an impact the experience would have on her.

According to Laura, she always had a desire to serve the Eastern Kentucky community. However, having grown up very simply on a farm, she was unsure of her abilities to help when she arrived at FNS.

Laura soon learned that quite the opposite was true, and that her experience with the farm would actually benefit her in her service with FNS. She was made responsible for taking care of the FNS mules and was in her natural element as their caretaker.

During her time in Hyden, Laura regularly crossed paths with Helen “Brownie” Browne, the Director of FNS from 1965-1975. Around the time of Laura’s service, Helen Browne lived on the Wendover property in the Big House. Laura loved seeing her at tea every day, often with special guests. Brownie invited the likes of Kate Ireland and Nancy Condiff, as well as those in the surrounding Hyden community, to come to Wendover for afternoon tea. Laura was inspired by Brownie’s passion for bringing the community together.

More than caring for animals and having tea with FNS icons, Laura’s service with FNS truly opened her eyes to the lack of quality medical care in the Eastern region of Kentucky.

“The experience made me so aware of the goodness of FNS, and the needs that these people had,” she said.

Laura also gained a great deal of respect for the Eastern Kentucky people, who always stuck together no matter the situation.

She and her trusty Plymouth Duster were often sent to pick up a patient and bring them to University of Kentucky hospital. More times than not, the whole family came.

“We were stuffed in the car for the day,” she said. “It was neat to me that they wanted to stay together.”

Like many Couriers, Laura’s sense of compassion and understanding for the Eastern Kentucky community grew as she served with FNS. After her service, Laura’s cousin, Helen Parrish, decided to become a Courier as well.

Laura Lee Parrish answered the call to service with FNS. Learn how to become a Courier today!

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.

Courier Spotlight: Florence Booker Rawleigh

April 5, 2018 By frontieredu

The late Florence Booker Rawleigh claimed that working for the Frontier Nursing Service (FNS) as a Courier was the most interesting thing she did in her 95 years of life. Florence was asked to serve as a Courier during a flu outbreak 1942. During the epidemic, many prominent families in the area were asked to send their children to volunteer with FNS to tend to those ill from the flu in rural and underserved Appalachia.

“They would call and say they need you desperately, ” said Florence.

Many families refused to send their daughters during this time, fearing their children may develop the flu too. But Florence’s mother countered that if the FNS needed Florence then she should go. With her mother’s blessing, Florence quit her job and traveled to rural Appalachia to serve as a Courier with FNS.

While working as a Courier, Florence had the honor of working alongside FNS Founder Mary Breckinridge. In addition to their medical assistance with FNS, Mrs. Breckinridge often entertained Couriers with stories of the adventures of her life. She told about her family and the interesting happenings of her time at and before FNS.

Mrs. Breckinridge frequently invited prominent guests over last minute for hors d’oeuvres and a chat. Florence shared about a time that very highly-regarded guests were on their way to the Big House, now known as the Wendover Bed & Breakfast and Retreat Center, but the Couriers didn’t have any food prepared.

“So we buttered dog biscuits and served them. I guess everyone thought they were ok since they didn’t say anything!” said Florence. “It was a truly privilege to know Mrs. Breckinridge!”

The most interesting guests came from all over the world to the home of Mrs. Breckinridge, and Florence felt honored to meet them. Throughout her time as a Courier, Florence made good friends, great connections, and memories that for her lasted a lifetime – all 95 years of it. Florence stated repeatedly that her Courier experience was the most interesting thing she ever did.

Before she passed, Florence loved attending Courier reunions every 4 or 5 years, organized by her dear friend Ms. Agnes Lewis.

“She would make a scavenger hunt or something and we would all get into some fun!” said Florence. “I also loved getting to know the other Couriers, as they were so all so interesting.”

Florence Booker Rawleigh passed away on May 22, 2016 at the age of ninety-five years. But that was not without leaving her legacy at Frontier Nursing University. In addition to being a Courier in the 1940s, Florence also was a proud trustee for many years and a dear friend of FNU.

Florence is dearly missed by all of us here at Frontier and goes down in Frontier Nursing University history as one of the most interesting and loyal women that we have ever known. Thank you, Florence, for your friendship with Frontier and the inspiring legacy you left behind!