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.

Abby McCarthy joined the Frontier family two years ago as the director of advising and then moved into her current position as the director of student retention and records. In her role, she works closely with several departments to help students understand their degree requirements and academic policies. Her team also ensures that academic records are accurate and helps students identify their clinical sites.

The student retention and records office runs programs like the PRIDE Diversity Program, SAGE Mentoring, new student orientation, and résumé reviews to provide additional support to FNU students.

Abby received her bachelor’s degree in secondary education (French) from the University of Mississippi in 2002 and completed her master’s degree in higher education in 2004. Abby worked at the University of Kentucky for 10 years where she was named the Ken Freedman Advisor of the Year.

According to Abby, she was drawn to FNU’s mission to serve rural and underserved populations.

“It was immediately evident that the university truly lives its mission every day in order to continue the legacy of care that Mary Breckinridge put in motion so many years ago,” Abby said.

Abby’s favorite part of working at FNU is the connectedness of the community.

“In any given day, I talk to people in Idaho, Maine, Arizona, Alabama and overseas, and we collaborate as if we were all in the same room. On the happy occasions when I see these people on campus visits, it’s like greeting an old friend.”

In her spare time, Abby enjoys playing volleyball, taking kickboxing classes, and hiking with her husband and dog. She loves to work in her yard and DIY improvements on her new house.

Thank you for your commitment to serving the students of FNU, Abby!