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Class I CEO and lawyer? Not quite. But Canadian National Railway Co. President and Chief Executive Officer E. Hunter Harrison did recently receive an honorary doctor of laws degree from the University of Alberta.

CN’s top executive since 2003, Harrison began his railroading career in 1963 as a carman-oiler for the Frisco Railroad. While working his way up the corporate ladder at the Frisco, Burlington Northern and Illinois Central (IC) railroads — including a stint as president and CEO of Illinois Central Corp. — Harrison initiated the concept of “scheduled” railroad service at the IC.

“This honor is due recognition of Hunter as a pre-eminent innovator and leader in the North American rail industry,” said CN Chairman David McLean in a prepared statement.