A legacy of partnership and purpose

After spending more than 25 years with Central Michigan University, as a student, an alumna, and a dedicated staff member and leader, Alison Arnold, Ed.D., executive director of the CMU Rural Health Excellence Institute, announced her retirement at the end of 2025. 

Arnold’s journey with CMU began in 2009 as a graduate student and she earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2018.  During this time, she also navigated a major career change when she took on the role of director of Community Partnerships with CMU’s College of Education and Human Services.  Over the next several years, Arnold played a crucial role in enhancing the university’s commitment to academic and community engagement, and her efforts supported the growth of Early Childhood Development and STEM program offerings.

With a strong personal desire to improve health networks, especially in rural communities, Arnold worked with leaders from five of CMU’s academic colleges to develop and introduce the Interdisciplinary Center for Community Health and Wellness.  From there, her outreach initiatives and reputation for successful collaborations led to her role as the executive director of the CMU Rural Health Excellence Institute (RHEI), which was launched in 2023.

Under Arnold’s leadership, the RHEI has built valuable and effective partnerships across academic institutions, federally qualified health centers, state agencies, rural clinics and other community organizations to help address rural health access and equity challenges.  These connections have led to programs that increase broadband access, expand telehealth availability, and improve non-emergency medical transportation options. The RHEI also supports mental health initiatives like PRiSMM (Preventing Suicide in Michigan Men) and takes part in the annual Opioid Summit presented by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.

Arnold’s expertise was recognized at the state level through appointments to the Michigan Health Information Technology Committee and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Social Determinants of Health Strategy. She brought a rural perspective to statewide endeavors to guide policy regarding the use of health information technology and to evaluate key drivers of health, such as housing, transportation, food access and social services.

Arnold has spent much of her career fostering powerful partnerships and strengthening rural health infrastructure. She has built her legacy on compassion, collaboration, and a strong sense of community and she leaves the RHEI well-positioned to continue its mission and grow its influence across Michigan.