DiversityNursing Blog

Versailles, Ky. — Frontier Nursing University (FNU) President Brooke A. Flinders, DNP, RN, APRN-CNM, FACNM, was recently named a recipient of Insight Into Academia magazine’s 2026 Trailblazer in Higher Education Award. This national honor recognizes senior leaders whose bold, strategic innovations have advanced institutional excellence, strengthened community and connectedness, and created meaningful, measurable impact for students, employees, and the broader academic system.

“I am honored and humbled to receive the Trailblazer Award,” Dr. Flinders said. “This recognition reflects my dedication to advancing Frontier’s longstanding legacy of innovation and progress as we prepare our graduates to meet the evolving needs of the communities in which they practice.”

Since beginning her presidency on August 1, 2024, Dr. Flinders has demonstrated a transformational yet servant‑leader approach that is already shaping a stronger future for Frontier Nursing University. Her vision, passion, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the success of students, faculty, and staff distinguish her as a true trailblazer in higher education.

In her first 90 days, Dr. Flinders scheduled opportunities to meet with every employee to foster open dialogue and strengthen organizational alignment. She subsequently launched a nationwide listening tour, engaging directly with students, faculty, staff, preceptors, alumni, and clinical partners across the country. The tour spanned more than 10,000 miles and included visits to 17 alumni‑staffed or owned practice settings.

Dr. Flinders’ first year culminated in the unveiling of FNU’s new strategic plan during her September 2025 investiture. “The crossroads between higher education and healthcare are different today than they have ever been,” Dr. Flinders said. “We will continue to face our own unique challenges, and we will navigate them in new and innovative ways.”

In less than two years as President, Dr. Flinders has advanced innovative strategies to expand access, strengthen academic excellence, promote student success, and address national workforce needs, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Her compassionate, mission‑driven leadership has elevated FNU’s impact and empowered the entire FNU community to thrive, solidifying her influence as a leader shaping the future of graduate nursing education.

“We had great confidence when we selected Dr. Flinders as our new president in 2024, but she has vastly exceeded all expectations,” said FNU Board Chair Marcus Osborne. “She is a natural, visionary leader who never loses sight of the goal and the steps that must be taken to get there. She is a team‑builder who embraces and values the input of students, alumni, faculty, staff, and board members to ensure we all share the same vision for the university.”

“We believe the future of higher education depends on leaders who are willing to challenge convention and embrace bold, impactful innovation,” said Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Academia magazine. “The 2026 Trailblazer honorees represent the highest levels of strategic leadership in the field, and we are proud to celebrate their extraordinary accomplishments.”

Dr. Flinders will be featured alongside 17 other distinguished honorees in the March 2026 issue of Insight Into Academia. For more information about the Trailblazer in Higher Education Award, visit insightintoacademia.com.

Dr. Flinders holds a Master of Science in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Frontier, as well as an Associate Degree of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Miami University (Ohio). Read her full biography here.

Scholarship increase to help educate nurse-midwives and advanced practice nurses amid nationwide healthcare shortages.

Versailles, Ky. — The Frontier Nursing University (FNU) Board of Directors has approved a proposal to utilize $20 million of the university’s unrestricted endowment funds for scholarships. The designation of these funds demonstrates the Board and university’s commitment to providing a high-quality education that prepares nurses to become competent, entrepreneurial, ethical, and compassionate nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners, with an emphasis on rural and underserved communities.

“This is a significant investment in support of our students, and one we are proud to champion,” said Marcus Osborne, Chair of the FNU Board of Directors. “On behalf of the Board, I want to express my gratitude for the work of our Chief Financial Officer Kylie Waters, and her team, as well as our finance committee, led by board member Michael Steinmetz. This was a comprehensive project to identify the best way to support our goal to provide accessible education.”

In keeping with the university’s spending policy, the university will fund the scholarships by spending the annual yield from the $20 million unrestricted endowment funds. The yield is projected to be approximately $800,000 annually.

“This commitment to more scholarship opportunities is a direct reflection of the Board of Directors’ enduring support for our students and our mission,” FNU President Dr. Flinders said.

FNU maintains an average enrollment of 2,800 students from across the country. FNU’s programs lead to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Post-Graduate Certificate, or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). FNU also offers a Post-Master's DNP for certified nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners who already hold a national certification and want to pursue a DNP.

“Our students are already professional healthcare providers when they come to us,” Dr. Flinders said. “Their dedication to advance their knowledge and expertise to better serve their communities is impactful and inspirational. These scholarships support their goals by making advanced nursing education accessible.”

A December 2025 report released by the Health Resources and Services Administration projected an 8% shortage of registered nurses in the United States by 2028. Additionally, the American College of Nurse-Midwives estimates the U.S has a shortage of more than 8,000 nurse-midwives based on the World Health Organization's recommendation of no less than six nurse-midwives per 1,000 live births.

“There is a growing demand for financial assistance,” Waters said. “Our existing scholarship program is substantial, and with this responsible use of our unrestricted endowment funds, we continue to demonstrate commitment to supporting our students. Frontier Nursing University is uniquely positioned to address the nursing shortage through our community-based, and distance education format. This investment will provide critical support to FNU’s students as they prepare to address healthcare challenges in their home communities across the country.”

The mission of Frontier Nursing University is to provide a high-quality education that prepares nurses to become competent, entrepreneurial, ethical and compassionate nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners to work with all people, with an emphasis on rural and underserved communities. 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. Frontier has been named a “Great College to Work For” by the Great Colleges to Work For® program for each of the past five years (2021-2025). To learn more about FNU and the programs and degrees offered, please visit Frontier.edu. 

This year’s conference theme is “Rising Strong: Better Together to Advance Wellness Initiatives for All.” 

VERSAILLES, Ky. – 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.

We're Rolling Out the Blue Carpet

Join us on August 15th for a documentary premiere

Come and meet our new President, Dr. Brooke Flinders!

Join Frontier Nursing University at 6:00 pm for a premiere at the Speed Museum Cinema in Louisville, Ky on August 15th for a reception and viewing of Nurse-Midwives: Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis. Produced by Frontier and Michael Breeding, this new documentary examines maternal health care and the role of nurse-midwives.

Register Now!

Unable to join us for the premiere? We invite you to view the documentary at frontier.edu/documentary or sign up to host a viewing in your community!

Appetizers will be provided during the reception. Parking is available in the museum garage. Frontier will provide parking validation at the event. 

“The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among wealthy nations, and 2022 data from the CDC shows that over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths in the U. S. from 2017-2019 were preventable by providing better care,” said FNU President Dr. Susan Stone, DNSc, CNM, FACNM, FAAN. “This documentary tells the story of how distance education paved the way to addressing this crisis by educating more nurse-midwives who play a crucial role in reducing maternal mortality.”

Before the advent of online learning, a remarkable group of nurses and nurse-midwives believed that more nurses would seek certification as nurse-midwives if they could stay in their home communities during the educational process. Thus the development of the unique and innovative Community-based Nurse-Midwifery Education Program (CNEP). CNEP was developed to allow nurses who lived in rural and underserved communities access to nurse-midwifery education without leaving home. The documentary details the development and evolution of the CNEP via interviews with visionary leaders and educators. It also shines a light on the subsequent development of family nurse practitioner, women's health care nurse practitioner, and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner distance education programs and their similarly vital roles in maternal health care.

“The work of nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners is reshaping the landscape of 21st-century healthcare,” Dr. Stone said. “From Alaska to Alabama to Appalachia to every state in America, these amazing healthcare providers are making a difference in the rural and underserved communities in which they live and serve.”

On July 18-19, 2024, Frontier Nursing University (FNU) will hold its 14th annual Diversity Impact Conference. The Diversity Impact Conference brings together renowned thought leaders and speakers to increase awareness of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the healthcare workforce, particularly for those working in underserved and rural communities. The conference is a virtual event conducted via Zoom. This year’s conference theme is “Representation Matters: Breaking Down Contributing Factors of Health Inequities.”

“As we continue to finalize the plans for the 2024 Diversity Impact Conference, we are thrilled to announce our two keynote speakers for this year’s event,” said FNU Dean of Inclusive Excellence and Student Success Dr. Paula Alexander-Delpech, Ph.D., PMHNP-BC, APRN. “Dr. Lucinda Canty and Dr. Lisa Meeks are recognized experts on healthcare disparities and their underlying causes. This promises to be an incredibly informative and inspiring conference, and we are proud to be able to make it available to an increasingly broader audience.”

Dr. Lucinda Canty, Ph.D., CNM, FACNM, is an Associate Professor of Nursing, and Director of the Seedworks Health Equity in Nursing Program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Columbia University, a master’s degree from Yale University, specializing in nurse-midwifery, and a PhD from the University of Connecticut. Dr. Canty has provided reproductive health care for over 29 years. Her research interests include the prevention of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity, reducing racial and ethnic health disparities in reproductive health, promoting diversity in nursing, and eliminating racism in nursing and midwifery.

Dr. Lisa Meeks, Ph.D, MA, is a distinguished scholar and leader whose unwavering commitment to inclusivity and excellence has significantly influenced the landscape of health professions education and accessibility. She is the founder and executive director of the DocsWithDisabilities Initiative and holds appointments as an Associate Professor in the Departments of Learning Health Sciences and Family Medicine at the University of Michigan. In addition to developing impactful programs, Dr. Meeks plays a pivotal role in advancing equity through her collaborations with health professions associations.

The full conference schedule and speaker biographies can be found at frontier.edu/diversity-impact.

Students attending any institution can register for the conference for free. All others can register with an early bird discount by May 31 or at the regular registration price starting June 1 until the day before the event. For more information about the 2024 Diversity Impact Conference and to register, please visit frontier.edu/diversity-impact.

“We are delighted to offer this conference at no cost to students,” said FNU Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Tanya Belcheff, DNP, CNM. “We firmly believe that all students deserve the chance to participate and gain insights from impactful conferences like this one. We view investing in students as an investment in the future. This initiative supports the upcoming generation of leaders and visionaries who will ensure that healthcare is accessible to everyone.”

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

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

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

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

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

Frontier Nursing University’s 14th annual Diversity Impact Conference will be held on July 18-19, 2024. The theme of this year’s conference is “Representation Matters: Breaking Down Contributing Factors of Health Inequities.” This virtual event features nationally recognized experts and is open to all interested parties. Online registration will be open at Frontier.edu beginning February 26. 

About Frontier Nursing University:

The mission of Frontier Nursing University is to provide accessible nurse-midwifery and nurse practitioner education that integrates the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We transform healthcare by preparing innovative, ethical, compassionate, and entrepreneurial leaders to work with all people with an emphasis on rural and underserved communities. 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. Frontier has been named a “Great College to Work For” by the Great Colleges to Work For® program for each of the past three years (2021-2023). To learn more about FNU and the programs and degrees offered, please visit Frontier.edu.

Frontier Nursing University (FNU) has received the 2023 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. As a recipient of the annual Health Professions HEED Award — a national honor recognizing U.S. health colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion — FNU will be featured, along with 64 other recipients, in the November/December 2023 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. This is the sixth consecutive year FNU has been named as a Health Professions HEED Award recipient.

“Receiving the INSIGHT Into Diversity Health Professions Education in Excellence in Diversity Award is an honor that is celebrated by everyone at Frontier Nursing University,” said FNU President Dr. Susan Stone, CNM, DNSc, FAAN, FACNM. “We embrace this award because it acknowledges Frontier’s steps to prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at all levels of our university. We also cherish the opportunity to apply for this award because every year, the award criteria and review process challenge us to look at our successes, existing gaps, and opportunities for improvement. Our DEI work is essential to help prepare our students to provide culturally concordant care in their communities across the country.”

FNU has maintained a strong focus on increasing diversity enrollment and retention through a number of initiatives, FNU’s many recent DEI initiatives include the implementation of a holistic admissions process, the expansion of its Office of DEI staff, diversity training for all members of the FNU community, mentoring programs, an annual Diversity Impact Conference, the formation of special Student Interest Groups, and the establishment of a DEI Faculty Fellows program. Since FNU committed to DEI as a priority, enrollment of students of color has increased from 9% in 2010 to 30% in 2023. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) recently awarded FNU the Maternity Care (MatCare) Nursing Workforce Expansion Grant. The grant period extends from September 30, 2023, to September 29, 2027. FNU will receive $4 million – $1 million per year –  to fund the grant project. Via the grant, FNU intends to increase the number and diversity of the nurse-midwifery workforce, focusing on increasing the Hispanic population of nurse-midwives.

“Frontier Nursing University is committed to being an equitable institution where everyone is respected, valued, and welcomed,” said FNU Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Dr. Paula Alexander-Delpech, Ph.D., PMHNP-BC, APRN. “Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are central components of our data-driven initiatives and policies.”

“The Health Professions HEED Award process consists of a comprehensive and rigorous application that includes questions relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees — and best practices for both — continued leadership support for diversity, and other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We take a detailed approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a Health Professions HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for schools where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being done every day across their campus.”

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!

Versailles, Ky. – On June 8-9, 2023, Frontier Nursing University (FNU) will hold its annual Diversity Impact Conference. The Diversity Impact Conference brings together renowned thought leaders and speakers to increase awareness of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the healthcare workforce, particularly for those working in underserved and rural communities. This year, for the first time, the conference will be available for attendees outside of FNU.

“We are extremely excited about the 2023 Diversity Impact Conference,” said FNU Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Dr. Paula Alexander-Delpech, Ph.D., PMHNP-BC, APRN. “The Conference gets better each and every year, and we are putting the finishing touches on the plan for this year’s sessions. We are most excited, however, about being able to include more attendees this year. As we grow this important event, we want to invite leaders and students from some of our area universities to join us. This event is all about collaboration, learning, and growing. I’m confident that it will benefit any university, department, or individual.”

The 2023 Diversity Impact Conference will be conducted via Zoom. The theme of this year’s conference is “Better Together: Advancing a Culture of Identity and Belonging in Healthcare.” 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.

The opening keynote address will be given by Dr. Tia Brown McNair, Vice President of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Student Success and Executive Director for the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Campus Centers at the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) in Washington, D.C. On the second day of the conference, the keynote speaker will be Rebekka Eshler, National President of the Transgender American Veterans Association in Washington, D.C.  All speaker bios and the full conference schedule can be found at https://frontier.edu/diversity-impact/

The learning outcomes attendees can expect to take away from the Diversity Impact Conference include:

• Identify specific strategies to create a culture of belonging amongst peers and the larger community
• Discuss the causes behind healthcare disparities and their effect on creating a culture of belonging
• Reflect on ways to effectively engage in spaces to promote diversity in identity
• Practice ways to build collaborative communities

Students attending any institution can register for the conference for free. All others can register at the registration price of $99 until the day before the event. For more information about the 2023 Diversity Impact Conference and to register, please visit https://frontier.edu/diversity-impact/.

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About Frontier Nursing University:

The mission of Frontier Nursing University is to provide accessible nurse-midwifery and nurse practitioner education that integrates the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We transform healthcare by preparing innovative, ethical, compassionate, and entrepreneurial leaders to work with all people with an emphasis on rural and underserved communities. 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. In 2021 and 2022, Frontier was named a “Great College to Work For” by the Great Colleges to Work For® program. To learn more about FNU and the programs and degrees offered, please visit Frontier.edu.