Goal 4 Campus Opens to Student Activities and Major Events

Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is well-known and highly regarded for its history of excellence in distance education. The university was selected as a recipient of an International Distance Learning Award, presented by the United States Distance Learning Association in 2021. This time-tested structure enables FNU students to work toward their advanced degrees while continuing to work and live in their own communities. They are able to stay home and take care of their families and patients.

In 2022, however, FNU introduced students to their home away from home – the campus in Versailles, Kentucky. The campus, which was scheduled to open sooner but was delayed due to the pandemic, officially opened in 2022. Frontier wasted no time in putting the campus and its many features to good use. The university hosted several events throughout the year in addition to the regularly scheduled Frontier Bound and Clinical Bound sessions. Here is a look at some of the highlights of Year One on the Versailles campus:

Frontier and Clinical Bounds

All FNU students begin their educational journey on campus at Frontier Bound, an enriching four-day orientation to their educational program at Frontier Nursing University. Time is spent learning skills needed for distance education, making lifelong friends, reviewing courses, asking questions, and planning to be a successful student after returning home.

Clinical Bound is a week-long skills-intensive event that prepares students to begin clinical experiences with preceptors in their home communities. Students learn foundational skills, such as hand maneuvers for attending births, suturing techniques, and performing patient histories and physical exams that will prepare them to enter clinical sites. Students also practice conducting patient visits using clinical simulations that students perform under the observation of their instructors.

Bounds are held on campus weekly throughout each term. After attending Bound, students surveyed about their experience on campus gave the university high marks for their campus experience.

Ribbon-Cutting and Land Acknowledgment

Two of the university’s biggest events of the year were held on the same day, with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony being immediately followed by a land acknowledgment ceremony (see story on page 45).

Commencement Tours

While Commencement was held at Rupp Arena in nearby Lexington (see story on page 41), the campus was still abuzz throughout the celebratory weekend as many students and their families and friends toured the campus and visited the gift shop.

Day of Giving

In October, the university held its first annual Day of Giving. This largely online event was still a big part of the campus climate as several students attending Bound were given the opportunity to “take over” the university’s social media and provide live video and images from campus.

Fall Festival

In October, FNU hosted a fall festival for its employees and their families. The fun-filled day featured games, activities, and food for all attendees.

Health and Wellness Roundtable

FNU is a sponsor of and frequent presenter at the monthly Woodford County Chamber of Commerce Health & Wellness Round Table. The university also is an occasional host of the Round Table. Past presenters have included FNU President Dr. Susan Stone, CNM, DNSc, FAAN, FACNM; FNU Program Director for the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Dr. Khara’ Jefferson, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CHC; Assistant Professor Dr. Kendra Faucett, DNP, CNM, CNE, FACNM; and FNU Assistant Professor Dr. Joshua Faucett, DNP, MBA, FNP- BC, CNE.