Jim Link, chief human resources officer at SHRM, has received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Murray State University, recognizing his career contributions to the human resources profession across multiple industries and countries.
Link earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Murray State before holding senior roles at General Electric, the Pillsbury Company, Porsche Cars, and Randstad. He joined SHRM, the global HR membership organization, as CHRO, where he leads HR strategy for an organization with more than 340,000 members worldwide.
“I am truly honored to receive this recognition from Murray State University,” Link said. “The foundation I built during my time as a Racer has shaped everything I’ve accomplished in my career, and I am deeply grateful to my alma mater for this distinction.”
Award history
The Murray State University Alumni Association has presented the Distinguished Alumni Award since 1962. The association describes it as the highest honour it can give a graduate. Link is one of four honorees for 2026 and will be recognized at the annual Distinguished Alumni dinner and banquet in April.
Global reach
At SHRM, Link addresses topics including workforce dynamics, leadership development, artificial intelligence in the workplace, employee well-being, and organizational culture. He speaks to audiences across North America, India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
