Texas A&M Transportation Institute Executive Associate Director Jon Epps accepted the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Modified Asphalt Producers (AMAP) Feb. 12, during the association’s 21st annual conference and workshop in Rancho Mirage, California. The AMAP board of directors also inducted Epps into the AMAP Hall of Fame. AMAP promotes the value of asphalt modifiers and additives and serves the industry as a clearinghouse of information about existing modifiers and modifier technologies as well as innovations in the field.
Each year, AMAP selects an individual who demonstrated outstanding achievement and leadership in asphalt innovation and technology. AMAP gave Epps the AMAP 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award “in recognition of lifelong leadership advancing asphalt paving technologies.”
With over 50 years in this industry, Epps has authored or co-authored more than 500 research publications in fields such as soils stabilization, recycling, design of flexible pavements, polymer modification, warm mix asphalt, sustainable pavements, and structural testing.
“I’m honored to receive this award from AMAP and be an inductee to the association’s Hall of Fame,” says Epps. “What’s important is giving back to the industry that means so much to me.”
Epps encourages up-and-coming generations of engineers and asphalt technologists to increase the industry’s knowledge base for building sustainable asphalt pavements. Everett Crews, AMAP president and director of research and development pavement technologies at Ingevity, comments, “We’re witnesses to Epps’s devotion to professional service in our industry, and he continues to mentor and inspire others to follow in his footsteps.”
Quoted in AMAP’s award announcement, Crews notes, “When one considers the numerous highlights and outstanding achievements of Epps’s professional career, one is struck by the permanence of mission, steadfastness of conviction, and strength of dedication that have underpinned all his many, diverse accomplishments. The scope of Epps’s contributions is unique and deserving of all the accolades that a thankful industry can bestow on him.”