The NCAT Wall of Honor recognizes individuals whose leadership and support have helped build NCAT into a world-class center for asphalt pavement research, training and outreach.
Mike was involved in all aspects of NCAT through his roles with NAPA (president), the NCAT Board of Directors and NAPA REF. Mike worked closely with NCAT on issues in which NCAT and NAPA partnered to accomplish important work for the industry. Mike’s long service on the NCAT Board and his work to improve NCAT through NAPA reflect his dedication to NCAT’s mission.
Ray supported NCAT in many ways while working for the Alabama DOT and while serving as member of Board of Directors. Ray deserves much credit for bringing the unique Pavement Test Track to fruition. Without Ray’s help with the track, the asphalt paving industry might not have some of its most important research findings today.
Mac was an active member of the NCAT Board of Directors and NAPA REF. During his time as chairman of NAPA REF, Mac was instrumental in ensuring NCAT had adequate funding during tough economic times. He worked closely with Auburn University to ensure funds were available during the short term and helped develop plans for long-range funding.
Larry served as vice chairman of the NCAT Board of Directors for many years. As dean of the Auburn College of Engineering, Larry recognized the importance of NCAT to the university and its research objectives and strongly supported NCAT through his work on the board. He also worked closely with NAPA REF to develop short-term and long-range plans for NCAT funding.
Ned was chairman of the NCAT Board of Directors for three years and a member for many years. As chairman, Ned led NCAT to become a national leader in research. He provided direction to NCAT in its critical early stages and continued his support through active participation of Payne and Dolan employees on the NCAT Board and Applications Steering Committee.
Don worked in the planning stages of NCAT to help turn the industry’s vision of NCAT into reality. As a long-time NCAT Board member (for over 20 years), Don helped obtain approval and secure funding for the new NCAT building and Pavement Test Track. Don was chairman of the Applications Steering Committee and provided insight to the NCAT research program.
As director from 1991–2007, Ray guided NCAT to become the premier organization for asphalt pavements research worldwide. He led the development of the first comprehensive asphalt technology textbook and the annual Professor Training Course. The NCAT Pavement Test Track was also developed under his direction.
Tim was an active member of the NCAT Board of Directors for several years. He also supported NCAT as chairman of NAPA REF, where he was active in planning the Pavement Test Track and new laboratory and training facility. Tim was a leader in establishing NAPA’s Committee on Asphalt Research and Technology, which provides input into NCAT research needs.
Jon’s long, active service on the NCAT Board of Directors (member for over 25 years) reflects his dedication to enhancing NCAT. His strong knowledge of NCAT operations allowed him to provide guidance to the board and to the NCAT director. He also served as a Professor Training Course instructor. Jon deserves credit for helping develop the national road map for asphalt research that helps guide NCAT research.
John believed in the concept of NCAT and was greatly involved in developing and promoting the center. A former NAPA president, he coordinated discussions of NCAT among NAPA members in the early to mid-1980s. John also coordinated fundraisers to support NCAT activities and facilities. He was an initial and very active member of the NCAT board.
Ken provided extraordinary leadership to NCAT as associate director from 1988–2001. He was a national leader in conducting and publishing asphalt research, earning several prestigious awards while at NCAT. Ken also started the biannual NCAT newsletter, was a key speaker in the Professor Training Course, established the NCAT library and co-authored the NCAT textbook.
Ron played a critical role in planning NCAT and led fundraising efforts for its establishment. He also supported NCAT in its early years as chairman of NAPA REF and was an original member of the NCAT Board of Directors, eventually being named an emeritus member. Ron has supported many students studying asphalt technology by establishing the Kenyon Fellowship program.
As an original member of the NCAT Board of Directors (for over 25 years), Mike showed dedication to NCAT since day one. He supported NCAT as a member of the Auburn University Board of Trustees, working with the university to continually advance the center. Mike also worked with the Alabama DOT to ensure the development of the Pavement Test Track was successful.
Paul was a leader in fostering the partnership between Auburn University and NAPA REF that produced NCAT. Years later, he worked to help obtain approval and funding for NCAT’s 40,000 sq. ft. building and the Pavement Test Track. Paul was an original member of the NCAT Board (for over 25 years) and served as vice chairman. He was elected as an emeritus member of the board upon his retirement.
Charlie was an original member of the NCAT Board of Directors (for over 25 years) and board chairman from 1996–1998. He was the first chairman of the Applications Steering Committee. Charlie’s experience working with a state DOT and contractor companies made him uniquely qualified to advise the NCAT Board. His overall support of NCAT has helped it gain international recognition.
Mack took the lead in supporting the Pavement Test Track, known as a “proving ground” for asphalt pavement technologies. As director of the Alabama DOT, he encouraged initial planning for the track and ensured funding for its construction and early operations. He worked with the NCAT Board to align track research with the needs of the asphalt paving industry.
Bob was an initial supporter of the plan for NCAT and an active member of the NCAT Board of Directors. He served as board chairman for three years during a key time at NCAT — the development of the NCAT textbook in the early 1990s. Bob was very active in encouraging NCAT research related to environmental issues.
Chuck served on the NCAT Board of Directors for many years and was board chairman for five years. Due to his active role with NCAT, Chuck was selected as an ex-officio board member at the end of his term. Chuck also supported NCAT’s research endeavors as chairman of the Applications Steering Committee for five years.
Under Don’s guidance, NCAT’s training program greatly expanded in content and international attendees. Drawing on his decades of field experience, Don shared his genuine interest to improve pavements, inspiring participants to make better roads for the traveling public. Don’s research has made a positive influence on specifications in many states and his work at NCAT will continue to impact the quality of asphalt pavements worldwide.
Buzz assumed the role of Test Track Manager in 1999 and by the time he retired in 2023, his name had become synonymous with NCAT across the USA. He has built relationships of trust, value and friendship with DOT staff in dozens of states as well as with contractors, suppliers and consultants from all over the country. Buzz’s ability to communicate pragmatic research benefits had a substantial impact on the standards and practices and leaves an indelible mark on NCAT’s legacy.
Peter advanced the asphalt pavement industry by serving for decades on both the NCAT and NAPA Board of Directors, serving as NAPA Board Chair in 2003 and Chair of the National Asphalt Pavement Association Research and Education Foundation (NAPAREF) from 2007 to 2021. He also served multiple terms as President of the Louisiana Asphalt Pavement Association (LAPA). He spent his entire career with the family business Barriere Construction Co. in New Orleans, LA before retiring in 2021.
Chris served as Vice Chair of the NCAT Board of Directors from 2012 to 2022 and played a vital role in renewing the NCAT agreement with NAPAREF in 2020. During his tenure as dean of the Samuel L. Ginn College of Engineering, he facilitated the transfer of ownership of the NCAT main office and laboratory to Auburn University, ensuring the center’s growth. As Auburn University’s president, he has strengthened the relationship between NCAT and key industry stakeholders, enhancing collaboration for asphalt research and education.
Ron began his service on the NCAT Board of Directors in 2010 and served as chair from 2017 to 2023. During his tenure, he led the update of NCAT’s strategic plan, ensuring it aligned with the changing needs of the asphalt industry. In addition to his board service, he has chaired the NCAT Applications Steering Committee, providing technical guidance for research, training and outreach initiatives. His leadership in the development of NAPA’s Road Forward program has been instrumental in bringing sustainability into the mainstream of research for the asphalt pavement community.
Jay has made significant contributions to the asphalt industry through his service with NAPA and NCAT. He served as NAPA chairman from 2020–2021 and has been a member of the NCAT Board of Directors since 2005, including a term as chair from 2012 to 2016. Under his leadership, NCAT experienced tremendous growth and development for the industry’s future, including the Road Scholars endowment campaign, which raised $3 million for graduate student fellowships in 2023 and 2024.
Dan served on the NCAT Board of Directors from 2003 to 2012, including four years as chair, and was elected as an emeritus member in 2012. As CEO of Gallagher Asphalt Corporation, he brought a strong industry voice to NCAT’s mission of advancing asphalt research and education. He has led numerous national committees through NAPA, championing innovation in recycling, energy efficiency and pavement performance. A dedicated supporter of NCAT for more than two decades, his leadership helped raise the center’s visibility as a world-class research facility.