NCAT director named Peter and Lisa Wilson Distinguished Professor

Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering has named Randy West, director of the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT), as the inaugural holder of the Peter and Lisa Wilson Distinguished Professorship.

Established through a gift from Peter and Lisa Wilson, this endowed professorship supports outstanding faculty members who demonstrate excellence in teaching, research and service while strengthening NCAT’s mission of advancing asphalt pavement technology through applied research and education.

The Wilsons’ connection to NCAT spans more than two decades. Peter Wilson, who previously served on NCAT’s Board of Directors and enjoyed a long career with his family-owned business, Barriere Construction Company, based in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a highly respected leader in the asphalt industry. Together, Peter and Lisa have witnessed NCAT's impact on improving pavement performance and advancing industry innovation. Their vision for the professorship is to support continued excellence in research and education at the center.

West has served as NCAT’s director since 2007 and is nationally and internationally recognized for his leadership in asphalt materials engineering. His work has helped shape industry practices and transportation agency standards for reclaimed asphalt pavement, warm-mix asphalt, performance-based testing and sustainable pavement technologies. Through NCAT’s expansive research and training programs, as well as the NCAT Test Track, West has played a key role in bridging laboratory research with real-world pavement performance.

“This professorship reflects a long-standing commitment to research that delivers practical, implementable solutions for the asphalt industry and public agencies,” West said. “I’m deeply grateful to Peter and Lisa Wilson for their support of NCAT’s mission and the people who carry it forward every day.”

As part of the professorship, West plans to direct resources toward initiatives that recognize and support excellence within NCAT, including efforts that highlight innovation, collaboration and service across faculty and staff.

“Randy’s leadership and impact on asphalt pavement research are felt well beyond Auburn,” said Mario Eden, dean of engineering. “His work has helped strengthen industry partnerships and elevate NCAT as a leader in applied research. This professorship recognizes a career defined by service, innovation and lasting impact.”

The Peter and Lisa Wilson Distinguished Professorship is administered through the Auburn University Foundation and is designed to provide long-term support for faculty leadership within the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering.

Established in 1986 through a partnership between Auburn University and the National Asphalt Pavement Association’s Research and Education Foundation, NCAT addresses the nation’s pavement infrastructure needs through practical research, technology development and education. The center’s work supports state departments of transportation, industry partners and agencies nationwide in advancing safe, durable and sustainable asphalt pavements.

For more information about NCAT and its research programs, visit ncat.us.