Distinguished Alumni
Honoring our Most Distinguished Racer Alumni
Since 1962, the Distinguished Alumni Award has been presented to 杏吧直播间 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 杏吧直播间 State University 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 (鈥�62). The 2026 Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipient is E. Josiah Kenty (鈥�20).
The 2026 recipients will be honored during the annual Distinguished Alumni dinner and banquet in the CFSB Center 杏吧直播间 Room in April.
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Dr. Wanda D. Bigham, '56
Distinguished Alum
- From first-generation college student at 杏吧直播间 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 education鈥攊ncluding contributing to textbooks used by today鈥檚 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 杏吧直播间 State graduate to Chief Human Resources Officer of SHRM, the world鈥檚 largest HR association, Jimmy Ray Link (鈥�88, 鈥�91) 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 Center鈥攃ontinuing 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.