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News and Notes
Dr. Eileen Thrower Named Department Chair for the Department of Midwifery and Women’s Health
In May, Frontier Nursing University (FNU) announced Eileen Thrower, Ph.D., CNM, APRN, CNE, FACNM, as the Department Chair for the Department of Midwifery and Women’s Health. Dr. Thrower, who joined the faculty at FNU as an assistant professor in 2016, had been serving as Interim Department Chair since September of 2021. Prior to serving as the Interim Department Chair, Dr. Thrower held the position of Clinical Director for the department. “I am grateful for Dr. Thrower’s commitment to Frontier, her creativity, and her leadership,” said FNU Dean of Nursing Dr. Joan Slager, CNM, DNP, FACNM, FAAN. “I look forward to her future contributions to Frontier and the Department of Midwifery and Women’s Health.” Dr. Thrower has been a practicing nursemidwife in the Atlanta area since 1990. She received her master of nursing in nurse-midwifery from Emory University in 1990 and her Ph.D. in Nursing with a nursing education focus from Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University in 2016. She is a Fellow of the American College of Nurse-Midwives and a certified nurse educator. She volunteers at a community clinic where she provides gynecologic care. “We are so excited to announce Dr. Thrower as the Department Chair of the Department of Midwifery and Women’s Health,” said FNU President Dr. Susan Stone, CNM, DNSc, FAAN, FACNM. “She has distinguished herself as an outstanding nurse-midwife and educator and as a leader and advocate for nursing and nurse-midwifery.” Since March 2020, Dr. Thrower has been part of the Georgia Infant Mortality Workgroup, a collaborative effort by the Department of Public Health, Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia. This statewide, multi-sector workgroup is striving to address infant mortality throughout the State of Georgia. “I am so proud to be with Frontier Nursing University and am honored to
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be named the Department Chair of the Department of Midwifery and Women’s Health,” Dr. Thrower said. “The work we do is incredibly impactful in the lives of women, children, and families across the country. I am so inspired by the amazing contributions our students and alumni make in their communities.” Dr. Eileen Thrower, In 2020, Dr. Thrower was selected by the Ph.D., CNM, FNU students for the “Student Choice ARPRN, CNE, Excellence in Teaching Academic Faculty FACNM Award”. The award, which is presented as part of the annual commencement activities, honors the faculty members who have inspired and impacted students throughout the year. Here are a few comments collected from the student nominations for the award:
Dr. Thrower was announced as FNU’s new Department Chair for the Department of Midwifery and Women’s Health during the American College of Nurse-Midwives annual conference in May.
“Dr. Thrower has done an incredible job of running the virtual clinical courses for WHNP and CNEP students this summer. She is a wonderful resource and an incredible instructor who truly cares about each and every student. I feel so fortunate to be able to have this opportunity to learn and grow as an NP student from her before I venture into the real world!”
“Dr. Thrower always comes prepared. [She is] calm, cool, and collected and makes the most of whatever life and technology throws our way. I appreciate her dedication to her job and her students. She has made herself very reachable and encourages us to contact her whenever we need to. She is doing a great job.”
“Dr. Thrower deserves this award because of her role in creating and carrying out the most valuable virtual clinical experience possible! She juggles multiple bound sessions, hundreds of students, coordinates faculty, and still makes every student feel important and heard. I love listening to her pearls of wisdom, and gaining confidence as I work through the course. I feel very lucky to have her as my first ‘preceptor’!”
Dr. Catherine Collins-Fulea Selected as American Academy of Nursing Fellow
The American Academy of Nursing (Academy) announced that Frontier Nursing University (FNU) Assistant Professor Catherine Collins-Fulea, DNP, CNM, FACNM, has been selected to be inducted into the 2022 Class of Fellows. Dr. Collins-Fulea is one of 250 distinguished nursing leaders selected by the Academy who will be formally inducted into the 2022 Class of Fellows during the Academy’s annual Health Policy Conference, October 27-29 in Washington, D.C.
After completing her basic nursing and midwifery education in England, CollinsFulea opened an in-hospital birthing center at Grace Hospital in Detroit in 1981 when only five other certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) were practicing in the entire state. She joined the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit in 1991, where she started a new practice with six other CNMs. Over the years, she grew this practice into one of the most respected in the state, leading 22 midwives at two hospitals and practicing in eight outpatient centers.
Collins-Fulea, who received her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from FNU, joined the FNU faculty in January 2019. She has also been active professionally on both the state and national levels with the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), having recently completed a two-year term as the president of ACNM. She has also chaired many ACNM committees, including the national quality management section, the division of standards and practice, the service directors network, and the volunteer structure re-alignment task force. In addition, she has served as a regional representative on the ACNM board of directors and for two terms as vice president.
“We are very proud to have Dr. CollinsFulea at Frontier,” said FNU Dean of Nursing Dr. Joan Slager, CNM, DNP, FACNM, FAAN, who was selected as an American Academy of Nursing fellow in 2020. “As a national leader and advocate for nursing and nurse-midwifery, she continues to set a great example for her students and fellow faculty. “
“I am truly honored to be selected for induction as a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing,” Dr. Collins-Fulea said. “The Academy is highly regarded for its longstanding commitment to promote and advocate for the nursing profession. I look forward to doing my part to help forward the Academy’s mission.”
The Academy serves the public by advancing health policy and practice through the generation, synthesis, and dissemination of nursing knowledge. Academy Fellows are inducted into the organization for their extraordinary contributions to improve health locally and globally. With more than 2,900 Fellows, the Academy represents nursing’s most accomplished leaders in policy, research, administration, practice, and academia.
“As the American Academy of Nursing’s President, it gives me great pride to announce the largest class of Fellows since the organization began nearly 50 years ago,” said Kenneth R. White, Ph.D., RN, AGACNP, ACHPN, FACHE, FAAN. “At a time when investments in, and policy to address, health equity, innovation, and access are paramount, the Academy is thrilled to welcome these dynamic and courageous nurse leaders who will support our collective vision of healthy lives for all people. Induction in the Academy is a powerful moment in a nurse’s career. When we gather this fall, to award the Fellowship credential, I look forward to celebrating each Fellow’s incredible accomplishments that have improved the well-being of communities across the globe.”
Through a competitive and rigorous application process, the Academy’s Fellow Selection Committee, which is comprised of elected and appointed Fellows, reviewed a record number of applications, representing a 30% increase from the previous year, ultimately selecting the 2022 Fellows based on their contributions to advance the public’s health. Induction into the Academy is a significant milestone in which past and current accomplishments are honored by their colleagues within and outside the profession.
Frontier Nursing University Community Members Recognized at 2022 ACNM Conference
In May, Frontier Nursing University (FNU) faculty, staff, students, alumni, and preceptors had the opportunity to attend the 67th Annual American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) Meeting and Exhibition in Chicago. The conference was held in person for the first time in two years. FNU was extremely well represented at the conference, not only in numbers but also in awards, honors, and presentations.
Eight FNU faculty were inducted as ACNM Fellows (shown at top). Additionally, three other FNU faculty members were presented with awards. Instructor Heidi Loomis, MSN, CRNP, CNM, received the ACNM Foundation’s 2022 W. Newton Long Award for the Advancement of Midwifery. Associate Professor Kate Woeber, Ph.D., CNM, MPH, FACNM, was awarded a Thacher Community Grant in “support of small yet high-impact community-based projects that promote excellence in health care for women, infants, and families worldwide” Assistant Professor Kendra Faucett, DNP, CNM, CNE, FACNM, received the “Excellence in Teaching” Award.
FNU alumnus Nikia Grayson, DNP, MPH, MA, CNM, FNP-C (Class 142), was inducted as one of three new ACNM Board members. Grayson is the Chief Clinical Officer at CHOICES Memphis Center for Reproductive Health, where they have opened the first non-profit comprehensive reproductive health care center in the country and the first birth center in Memphis. The conference also marked the end of FNU Assistant Professor Cathy Collins-Fulea’s two-year tenure as the ACNM President. She was succeeded by former FNU faculty member Heather Clarke.
FNU Faculty & Student Presentations
Assistant Professor Kendra Faucett, DNP, CNM, CNE, FACNM: American Midwifery Certification Board Boot Camp Test Prep Workshop & Test Taking Tips
Associate Professor Laura Manns-James, Ph.D., CNM, WHNP-BC, CNE, FACNM: Reducing Racism in Midwifery Education: Using the Program Content Toolkit
Instructor Mary Kay Miller, DNP, CNM: Promoting Vaginal Intended Deliveries (PROVIDE) in Florida: Quality improvement lessons learned from three DNP Projects
Instructor Cathy Cook, DNP, CNM: Implementing a Patient-Centered Virtual Wellness Program in a Select Population During a Global Pandemic
Instructor Jill Alliman, DNP, CNM, Laura Manns-James, Ph.D., CNM, WHNP-BC, CNE, FACNM, and Assistant Professor Shaughanassee Vines, DNP: Racial Health Equity and Cesarean Birth in the Birth Center Model of Care
Instructor Cindy Farina, MSN, CNM: Ibrexafungerp, A New Antifungal Agent for the Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Poster Presentation
Current DNP Students Oluwatope Alaofin and Adi Lazary-Dagan: Reproductive Justice to Adolescents in Texas: A Social Justice Analysis
Additional highlights of the conference included:
• FNU Dean of Nursing Dr. Joan Slager, CNM, DNP, FACNM, FAAN, signed copies of the book Administrative Manual for Midwifery Practices for attendees. Dr. Slager authored the chapter on billing and coding.
• FNU nurse-midwifery student Lauren Huggins attended the conference with
FNU Instructor Michele Lawhorn, DNP, CNM, as part of FNU’s Professional
Organizational Mentoring Program (POMP). POMP offers underrepresented nurse-midwifery students and nurse practitioner students the opportunity to be mentored by faculty members at designated conferences, such as the ACNM annual meeting. It expands students’ educational and professional experiences.
• The FNU Alumni and Friends Reception celebrated the life of midwifery pioneer and leader Kitty Ernst.
Dr. Jill Alliman Elected to American Association of Birth Centers Board of Directors
This summer, the American Association of Birth Centers (AABC) held elections for the AABC Board of Directors. Among those elected to serve on the Board of Directors is FNU Assistant Professor Dr. Jill Alliman, DNP, CNM, FACNM. AABC “promotes and supports freestanding birth centers and alongside midwifery units in all communities to achieve a high-value model of evidence-based care that is equitable, safe, and respectful.”
Dr. Vicky Stone-Gale Receives Advocate State Award for Excellence from AANP
FNU Associate Professor Dr. Vicky StoneGale, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP, FNAP was awarded the 2022 Advocate State Award for Excellence by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. The Advocate State Award for Excellence is given to an individual in each state who has made a significant contribution toward increasing awareness and recognition of NPs. Examples of past recipients have been physicians, legislators, and educators. NPs are also eligible for the advocate award for non-clinical practice initiatives related to leadership, precepting, policy, politics, research, education, or community affairs.
Dear FNU Supporters,
Please be advised that Frontier Nursing University recently changed its investment management to Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. For stock gifts to either Frontier Nursing Service or Frontier Nursing University, please make your transfer to: Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. DTC #: 0164 Account Title: “Frontier Nursing Service, Incorporated” Account #: 9124-2804 If you have any questions, please contact Chief Advancement Officer Bobbi Silver at bobbi.silver@frontier.edu or 859-251-4739. Thank you for your continued support of Frontier Nursing University!
FNU Executive Vice President for Finance and Facilities Michael Steinmetz, CPM, CMA, CSCA, announced his retirement this summer. After nearly 13 years at the university, his last full day was on August 12.
“FNU has been a truly wonderful place to work, and I value the friends I have made throughout the university,” Steinmetz said. “I will miss our collaboration and the daily striving to fulfill our mission. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.”
Steinmetz was instrumental in numerous initiatives and milestones at FNU, including the identification and purchase of the Versailles campus. He subsequently oversaw the processes of donating the Hyden campus and property to Leslie County Betterment, Inc. to benefit Hyden and the surrounding community.
Steinmetz drove FNU’s mission to be a data-driven institution and led the efforts to select and implement a data dashboard and workflow systems. He also served as the Chief Financial Officer for Frontier Nursing Service, Incorporated, helping to oversee the charitable foundation’s planning and investments.
“Michael has been an integral part of the leadership and planning for our university,” said FNU President Dr. Susan Stone, CNM, DNSc, FAAN, FACNM. “He has been a trusted advisor, always acting with the university’s best interests at heart. His keen and diligent oversight of the university’s financial position has been invaluable to past, current, and future success.”
FNU Student Jasmine Mason Awarded NBNA Scholarship
The National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) announced that FNU nursemidwifery student Jasmine Mason is one of eight recipients of a $10,000 scholarship from the Abbott Scholarship Fund. Selection criteria include interest in primary care, clinical research and improving diversity in clinical trials, financial needs, academic performance, and a desire to serve vulnerable populations.
PMHNP Student Margaret Wilk Awarded Scholarship to Attend National Conference
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) student Margaret Wilk was one of 30 students selected as an American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) Board of Directors Student Scholar. Each of the student scholars receives a scholarship to attend APNA’s 36th annual conference, October 19-22, in Long Beach, California, as well as a one-year complimentary APNA membership.
Microscopes Needed
FNU is seeking donations of microscopes in good condition for our students to use as they develop their clinical skills. If you would like to donate, please contact Chief Advancement Officer Bobbi Silver at (859) 251-4739 or bobbi.silver@frontier.edu.
Suture Donations Needed for Clinical Bound
Clinical Bound is a week-long skills-intensive event that prepares students to begin clinical experiences with preceptors in their home communities. Students and faculty from the nurse-midwifery, family nurse practitioner (FNP), women’s health nurse practitioner (WHNP), and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) programs participate in Clinical Bounds. 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. These simulations allow students to experience patient interactions in a simulated environment. It is important that the simulations are realistic to help students gain confidence in their skills and clinical decision-making before working with actual patients. One of the costly ongoing expenses for Clinical Bound is suture. Financial donations toward the purchase of suture may be made online by visiting Frontier.edu/give-to-fnu/ and selecting “Clinical Training Supplies.” Also, Frontier can accept donations of expired suture in its original packaging. Donations of suture can be sent to:
Frontier Nursing University
Attn: Dr. Joan Slager, Dean of Nursing 2050 Lexington Road Versailles, KY 40383
