Jon Epps, Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) executive associate director and senior research fellow, received the Regents Fellow Service Award from the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents during an awards dinner Feb. 9. Established in 1998, the Regents Fellow Service Award recognizes Texas A&M System agency researchers who have made lasting contributions to Texas and the nation.
“Dr. Epps’ engaging leadership style and humility have earned him the respect of staff members, graduate students and peers across the country,” says TTI Agency Director Greg Winfree. “Jon has dedicated himself to improving transportation through numerous roles, including as a leader in research, an engineering professor and as a private-sector manager. His contributions to Texas and the nation made him an easy selection for this prestigious award.”
A pioneer in asphalt-pavement recycling and soil-stabilization methodology, Epps’ 45-year career in the transportation industry includes research in pavement-management systems and pavement economics. He leads TTI’s Materials, Pavements and Constructed Facilities Division and the Roadside Safety and Physical Security Division, as well as oversees the Institute’s research in construction engineering, highway structures, flexible pavements, roadside safety and physical security devices, structural testing, and other areas.
After receiving his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of California at Berkeley, Epps spent 32 years in academic leadership positions at Texas A&M and the University of Nevada. He also has 10 years of private-sector experience as engineering services manager for one of the largest transportation construction companies in the United States.
Epps has authored or co-authored more than 500 research publications and has traveled the globe to deliver some 600 presentations. He has also developed and presented numerous professional development courses for industry and public agencies.
“Being named a Regents Fellow is certainly a highlight of my career,” Epps says. “This honor from the Texas A&M System was unexpected but is greatly appreciated. I’ve been extremely fortunate to work alongside great people, who have been vital to the overall success of these programs and efforts.”