Kelly Fanning Endowed Scholarship Established for Future Nurse Practitioners

The Kelly Fanning Endowed Scholarship was established to honor Kelly Fanning, a former associate clinical professor at ISU-Meridian and nurse practitioner. It is awarded annually to a Doctor of Nursing Practice student who is enrolled in the Family Nurse Practitioner program. The scholarship requires a 3.5 GPA and a demonstrated record of leadership.

Born in Nampa, Kelly Fanning (October 10, 1964-October 8, 2016) spent most of her childhood in England and Mexico, where she developed a lifelong interest in Mexican culture and a fluency in Spanish. She completed junior high and high school in Caldwell, Idaho, culminating those years as senior class president and commencement speaker.

Fanning attended the University of Idaho and the University of Mississippi, graduating with a degree in communicative disorders. She continued her education at Northern Arizona University with a bachelor’s in nursing. Then went on to Idaho State University to obtain a masters in family nurse practice, and concluded her education at the University of Alabama with a doctorate in nursing practice. Over the course of her education and career, Fanning worked everywhere from hospitals to rural clinics to teaching at Idaho State University. 

At every stage of her career, Fanning greatly valued her patients, students, and colleagues. In 2014, she was named Idaho Nurse Practitioner of the Year and in the same year, was awarded the Idaho State University Distinguished Teacher. In 2015, Fanning was the project director for a $1.5 million grant to assist ISU’s School of Nursing in providing health care to refugees. 

Although she had a busy career, Fanning still found time for her many interests, which ranged from skiing, starting a swim team, leading a 4-H club, and riding her horses. She also competed in barrel races and drill team competitions. Fanning raised three daughters who were her greatest source of joy. For her, motherhood was one of life’s greatest adventures. 

Later in her life, Fanning was diagnosed with cancer, but even that did not slow her down. After her diagnosis, she taught herself to quilt and began sharing her journey on her blog, “Quilting Cancer”. She created a quilt for each of her daughters and spread messaging about embracing life despite one's circumstances, and being able to find joy in even the simple things in life. 

Fanning's family says that her instinct was to live each day to its fullest, and that she lived as if each moment had significance. Her family writes “Kelly’s legacy continues to illuminate all who knew her, and, through this endowment, it will reach even those she never met.”

This scholarship was created by Fanning's sister, Erin and her mother, Sherry, as a lasting tribute to Kelly's memory and a commitment to fostering the next generation of advanced practice nurses. The endowment aims to alleviate the financial burdens associated with pursuing this specialized degree, ensuring that aspiring nurse practitioners have the resources necessary to focus on their rigorous academic and clinical training. By supporting these students, the scholarship honors Fanning's spirit and contributes meaningfully to the future of healthcare by helping to train highly skilled and compassionate nurse practitioners, like Fanning, who will serve their communities.