When The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents selected Dr. Dennis Christiansen as the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s (TTI’s) fifth agency director in late 2006, the board tapped a seasoned leader, with 35 years of experience in advancing the national and international reputation of TTI already under his belt. In the subsequent 10 years that Christiansen served as agency director, TTI research expenditures increased by 60 percent, the total operating budget increased by 52 percent, and TTI facilities expanded from 216,000 square feet to more than 324,000 square feet — stellar accomplishments in the midst of changing research landscapes and funding cycles.
A major initiative identified and guided by Christiansen was the repositioning of TTI to expand and diversify its research portfolio to attract nontraditional sponsors. Christiansen’s strategy enabled the Institute to not only expand its expertise in traditional research areas, but also to become a recognized leader in new, significant areas of study such as finance, policy, environment and technology. His vision will ensure that TTI remains strong and well positioned to be our nation’s thought leader in addressing the next generation of transportation changes and challenges, which are certain to be revolutionary.
The Christiansen Era: A Decade of Growth, Enhanced Opportunity for TTI
2006
- Dennis Christiansen appointed director
2008
- Groundbreaking for new State Headquarters and Research Building
2009
- Adoption of the landmark Texas 2030 Committee Transportation Needs Report by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) initiated and staffed primarily by TTI
2010
- State Headquarters and Research Building and Visibility Research Laboratory open
- U.S. State Department awards TTI multimillion-dollar contract for perimeter security testing
- Office opens in Mexico City
- Environmental and Emissions Research Facility established
- TxDOT awards TTI multimillion-dollar contract to support reconstruction of 96 miles of I-35 in Central Texas
2011
- ARTBA recognizes TTI with the Glass Hammer Award for advancing women leaders in transportation
- First five-year strategic plan created for the Institute
2012
- Center for Railway Research established
- Collaboration begins with the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) in automated and connected transportation research
2013
- Grand reopening of expanded, enhanced Sediment and Erosion Control Laboratory
- Transportation Policy Research Center formed under the direction and support of the Texas Legislature
2014
- Leadership Enhancement and Development program created for TTI employees
- UMTRI partnership with TTI’s Center for Transportation Safety on the Center for Advancing Transportation Leadership and Safety, a U.S. Department of Transportation University Transportation Center
- Destination Aggieland, award-winning smartphone app, developed to ease traffic congestion after Texas A&M University’s Kyle Field stadium expansion
- TTI office opens in Washington, D.C.
2015
- Teens in the Driver Seat® program reaches landmark 1,000 schools and 1 million teens nationwide
- Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Safety selects TTI as team leader for a multiyear contract worth up to $19 million
2016
- Premier Texas A&M Transportation Technology Conference held during which The Texas A&M University System’s $250 million RELLIS Campus is announced
- New TTI Headquarters at RELLIS Campus announced
- Campus Transportation Technology Initiative launched with Texas A&M University
- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and other dignitaries publicly unveil TTI’s Autonomous Freight Shuttle System
- Groundbreaking for Center for Infrastructure Renewal at RELLIS Campus
- FHWA awards TTI a multiyear contract worth up to $10.75 million to evaluate connected vehicle projects
- FHWA Office of Safety Research and Development awards TTI a multiyear contract worth up to $50 million to improve traffic safety
Testimonials
“Dennis Christiansen’s leadership of TTI built on its existing excellent research reputation and navigated the organization to the world-class go-to source for transportation information. By building collaborative relationships with state and federal policy makers, as well as industry professionals and transportation consumers, Dennis focused TTI’s resources to anticipate and provide solutions for issues of the next decade as well as meeting the current challenges.”
Judy Hawley
Former Commission Chair
Port of Corpus Christi
“During his 45 years of service with The Texas A&M University System, Dennis has made a significant impact in advancing and elevating the national and international reputation of TTI and transportation research. Dennis is a respected scholar and visionary leader, and his many contributions have built a solid legacy that will continue to serve the agency for generations to come.”
M. Katherine Banks
Vice Chancellor and Dean
Texas A&M Engineering
“Dennis turned TTI into the greatest transportation research organization in America. He and I had a close personal working relationship. I will miss him dearly.”
John Sharp, Chancellor
The Texas A&M University System
“Dennis made major contributions to the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) during his career at TTI, including serving as international president in 1996. ITE is proud that Dr. Christiansen has been a member of ITE since 1972 and was recognized for his outstanding service and contributions to the profession with honorary membership in 2010 and the Theodore M. Matson Award in 2016.”
Jeffrey F. Paniati
Executive Director and CEO
ITE
“The Texas 2030 Committee and resulting Transportation Needs Report elevated the game for Texas’ transportation funding and for TTI. Then came the new headquarters, a Mexico City office and TTI’s first strategic plan, among his many noteworthy accomplishments. TTI’s recent initiative on transportation technologies might well prove Dennis’ most enduring. A decade of leadership and accomplishment. Congratulations.”
David M. Laney, Chairman
LBJ Infrastructure Group
“Dennis has worked strategically with TTI Advisory Council members to accomplish many important objectives, such as the formation of the Transportation Policy Research Center. The center has made TTI the go-to transportation resource for policy makers because of the reliable information provided to them quickly and in an understandable format.”
David Cain, CEO
DC Strategic Consulting
Chair, TTI Advisory Council
“The partnership that TxDOT has enjoyed with Dr. Christiansen and his team at TTI has benefited the department and state by allowing us to make great progress developing and maintaining the best transportation system in the country. We are truly grateful for the years of service and dedication to the state and to transportation.”
James M. Bass
Executive Director
Texas Department of Transportation
“Under the leadership of Dr. Dennis Christiansen, TTI has set the standard for opportunities for women in the transportation industry. This was illustrated in 2011 when ARTBA awarded TTI the inaugural Glass Hammer Award, recognizing the Institute’s advancement of women, not only internally at TTI, but nationally in promoting TTI’s women leaders for prominent positions in organizations like ours.”
Alison Premo Black
Senior Vice President
Policy and Chief Economist
American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA)
