South Central Reporter

Sarah Bush Lincoln has announced the appointment of Jennifer Garrison, Ed. D., to its Health System and Health Center Board of Directors. Garrison, a native of Vandalia, is currently the superintendent of the Vandalia Community School District. Her role will involve representing the community in discussions related to SBL and SBL Fayette County Hospital initiatives.

SBL President and CEO Kim Uphoff expressed enthusiasm about Garrison's addition to the board: “We are very excited to welcome Jennifer to the board of directors,” Uphoff stated. “Her wealth of knowledge and experience in different areas will be valuable to support our mission.”

Garrison becomes the second individual from the Vandalia area to join the SBL Board of Directors, following Michael Radliff who joined in July 2023. With 15 years as a superintendent in Illinois, including her current position since 2018 with the Vandalia Community School District, Garrison brings extensive educational leadership experience.

In addition to her role as superintendent, she serves on the Illinois Board of Higher Education and is president of the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools. She has been instrumental in education advocacy efforts such as leading Funding Illinois’ Future Coalition and Fix the Formula Campaign, contributing to the passage of significant school funding reform through the Evidence-Based Funding for Student Success Act.

Furthermore, Garrison served nine years with the Illinois Army National Guard where she achieved the rank of Sergeant.

Expressing her commitment, Garrison said: “I am proud to join the SBL Health System and Health Center Board of Directors as a representative for the Vandalia area. Sarah Bush Lincoln is an asset to the community, and I look forward to using my voice to help guide its future.”