Since 1962, the Distinguished Alumni Award has been presented to Murray 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 Murray 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 (‘62). The 2026 Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipient is E. Josiah Kenty (‘20).

The 2026 recipients will be honored during the annual Distinguished Alumni dinner and banquet in the CFSB Center Murray Room in April.