Stacie Hunter
Chris Roberts Award for Excellence in Student Development
NCAT Awards of Excellence
Established in 2026, the NCAT Awards of Excellence recognize faculty and staff who go above and beyond in advancing NCAT's mission through innovation, leadership and exceptional contributions. Honoring sustained excellence in research, operations, safety, outreach and collaboration, the awards celebrate the people whose work strengthens NCAT's national leadership in asphalt pavement technology.
2026 Inaugural Award Recipients
Congratulations to the inaugural recipients of the NCAT Awards of Excellence! These individuals have demonstrated outstanding dedication to NCAT's mission and the advancement of the asphalt pavement industry.
Jason Nelson
Don Brock Award for Excellence in Facilities and Equipment Operations
Fan Yin
Ray Brown Award for Excellence in Stakeholder Collaboration
About the Awards
Each award recognizes excellence in a distinct area of NCAT's work and mission. Named in honor of distinguished members of NCAT's Wall of Honor, the awards celebrate the legacy of individuals whose leadership and contributions helped shape the center's history.
Chris Roberts Award for Excellence in Student Development
Recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to mentoring and developing students. Honorees create supportive learning environments, involve students in meaningful research projects and provide guidance that helps them succeed academically and professionally. Their mentorship extends beyond the classroom, preparing the next generation of leaders in the asphalt pavement industry.
Don Brock Award for Excellence in Facilities and Equipment Operations
Recognizes individuals whose expertise, reliability and innovation keep NCAT's facilities, laboratories and equipment operating at the highest level. Honorees anticipate operational needs, develop solutions that improve efficiency and safety and support the research and testing activities that are central to NCAT's mission. Their commitment to teamwork and continuous improvement helps ensure operational excellence.
Ray Brown Award for Excellence in Stakeholder Collaboration
Recognizes individuals who build lasting partnerships with transportation agencies, industry leaders and academic collaborators. Honorees demonstrate exceptional communication, leadership and problem-solving skills while bringing stakeholders together around shared goals. Their efforts strengthen relationships and help move innovative pavement research into practice.
Mike McCartney Award for Excellence in Training and Outreach
Recognizes individuals who make significant contributions to sharing technical knowledge and advancing professional development throughout the asphalt industry. Honorees deliver engaging training programs, develop innovative outreach methods and build relationships that encourage the adoption of best practices. Their efforts expand NCAT's educational reach and help industry professionals apply research findings in the field.
Ned Bechtold Award for Excellence in Sustainability Research
Recognizes individuals who advance sustainable pavement technologies through innovative research and leadership. Honorees develop new materials, methods and approaches that reduce environmental impacts and improve pavement life-cycle performance. Their work encourages collaboration and helps accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices across the asphalt industry.
Charlie Potts Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurial Business Development
Recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional initiative in identifying opportunities that strengthen NCAT's programs and long-term sustainability. Honorees develop innovative strategies, establish valuable partnerships and pursue new research investments and business opportunities. Their entrepreneurial leadership expands NCAT's reach and supports continued growth and innovation.
Peter Wilson Award for Excellence in Construction and Pavement Safety
Recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership in promoting safe construction and pavement operations. Honorees identify and address potential risks, implement innovative safety practices and encourage a culture of shared responsibility. Their efforts improve workplace safety and help protect employees, construction crews and roadway users.