August 13, 2026
SIU System Appoints Director of the Institute for Rural Health
The SIU System has named Dr. Abigail Eilerman as director of the Institute for Rural Health.
A graduate of the SIU Edwardsville School of Pharmacy, Dr. Eilerman brings more than a decade of clinical experience serving rural communities and six years of faculty leadership at the SIU School of Dental Medicine. She has also served in leadership roles with statewide rural health organizations and has collaborated extensively with healthcare and community partners across Illinois. Eilerman’s appointment was effective Aug. 1.
As director, Dr. Eilerman will lead the institute's efforts to strengthen rural health through collaboration, research, education and community partnerships across the SIU System and the region.
Previous SIU System Community Engagement newsletters are also available.