Distinguished Alumni
Honoring our Most Distinguished Racer Alumni
Since 1962, the Distinguished Alumni Award has been presented to 51ĀŅĀ× State alumni who have made meaningful contributions to their professions on a local, state and national level. It is the highest honor an alum can earn from the 51ĀŅĀ× Alumni Association and recognizes those who have excelled both professionally and personally. The Distinguished Alumni honorees for 2026 are Patricia Goodman Eisenberg ('74), Dr. Wanda D. Bigham ('56), Jimmy Ray Link ('88, '91), and Col. Billy T. Brooks (ā62). The 2026 Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipient is E. Josiah Kenty (ā20).
The 2026 recipients will be honored during the annual Distinguished Alumni dinner and banquet in the Hall of Benefactors in Heritage Hall this month.
DUE TO A VENUE CHANGE RESULTING FROM UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES, SEATING IS NOW LIMITED. PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS AT 270.809.5600 TO INQUIRE ABOUT AVAILABILITY.
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Dr. Wanda D. Bigham, '56
Distinguished Alum
- From first-generation college student at 51ĀŅĀ× State to nationally respected higher education leader, Dr. Wanda D. Bigham ('56) has built a legacy of service and leadership. A former college president, national consultant, and senior higher education administrator, she has impacted institutions across the country and around the world.
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Mrs. Patricia Goodman Eisenberg, '74
Distinguished Alum
- From first-generation nursing student to nationally recognized clinical leader, Patricia Goodman Eisenberg ('74) has shaped patient care and nursing educationāincluding contributing to textbooks used by todayās students. In retirement, she has embraced wildlife photography, while her scholarship support continues to impact future Racers.
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Mr. Jimmy Ray Link, '88, '91
Distinguished Alum
- From 51ĀŅĀ× State graduate to Chief Human Resources Officer of SHRM, the worldās largest HR association, Jimmy Ray Link (ā88, ā91) is a global thought leader shaping the future of work. A visionary voice on AI, workplace culture, and employee well-being, Link can often be seen in the global media as a subject matter expert in his field. His impact is influencing organizations and leaders around the world.
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COL Billy T. Brooks, '62
Distinguished Alum
- From 30 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Army to a 25-year career as a senior national security analyst, Colonel Billy T. Brooks ('62) has dedicated his life to leadership and service. Today, he serves as Lead Docent and Chair of the Docent Advisory Committee for the George C. Marshall International Centerācontinuing his commitment to preserving history and serving our nation.
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Mr. E. Josiah Kenty, '20
Outstanding Young Alum
- E. Josiah Kenty ('20) is a dynamic thought leader, educator, and speaker whose work bridges athletics, education, and personal development. As the founder and CEO of Flip the Culture, he empowers athletes to successfully transition beyond sports through identity development, emotional regulation, and career readiness. He is the author of OVERTIME, host of the Flip the Culture Podcast, and a 2025 TEDxAlabaster speaker, reaching audiences nationally and internationally with insights that inspire resilience, purpose, and impact.