Auburn dedicates James M. Winford National Center for Asphalt Technology
When James M. “Jay” Winford Jr. arrived at Auburn University in 1989 to pursue his doctorate in civil engineering, the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) was still in its early years.
Its first three years, in fact. NCAT’s researchers worked out of the Harbert Engineering Center on Auburn University’s campus. The facilities that would eventually help the center become an internationally recognized leader in asphalt pavement research were still years away.
Now, as NCAT celebrates its 40th anniversary, the center where Winford began his research career bears his father’s name.
Auburn University officially dedicated the James M. Winford National Center for Asphalt Technology during a ceremony on Nov. 3, recognizing a gift from Winford and his family in honor of his late father, James M. “Jim” Winford Sr.
The ceremony brought together the Winford family, Auburn University leadership, NCAT’s Board of Directors and longtime industry partners to celebrate a family whose connection to the asphalt pavement industry spans generations.
“By placing James Winford’s name on the National Center for Asphalt Technology, we are recognizing a legacy that will remain connected to NCAT for decades to come,” said Randy West, NCAT director. “And that feels especially fitting, because the work that happens here has always been about the future.”
A family rooted in asphalt
The Winford family’s ties to the asphalt industry date back to 1935, when Jay Winford’s grandfather, L.M. “George” Winford, started a sand and gravel business near Minden, Louisiana. He later expanded into surface treatment and asphalt production, eventually owning and operating several asphalt plants across north Louisiana.
George Winford’s son, Jim, followed him into the family business after serving in the military in Germany. A civil engineer, asphalt contractor and businessman in Minden, Jim became a principal leader in Louisiana’s asphalt industry.
Jim Winford eventually became a member of the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA), serving on its Board of Governors beginning in the 1960s. NAPA later honored him with its Distinguished Service Award, recognizing his service on the board from 1974 to 1976. He also served twice as president of the Louisiana Asphalt Pavement Association.
Decades later, Jay Winford followed in his father and grandfather’s footsteps, serving as NAPA chairman from 2020 to 2021. Their shared dedication to the industry is now reflected in the name of a center that has played an important role in Jay’s own career.
A connection that began at Auburn
After earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering and an MBA from Tulane University, Jay Winford continued his education at Auburn, where he conducted research under NCAT pioneers Freddy Roberts, Ken Kandhal and Ray Brown, who directed his dissertation. He earned his Ph.D. in civil engineering in 1991, becoming NCAT’s first graduate.
Winford went on to build a career in the asphalt industry and today serves as president and co-owner of Prairie Contractors, a Louisiana-based asphalt producer and highway contractor. He has maintained a strong connection to NCAT throughout his career, serving on its Board of Directors since 2005 and as chairman from 2012 to 2016. He has also contributed to the center’s Applications Steering Committee.
In 2024, NCAT inducted Winford into its Wall of Honor in recognition of his longstanding service and support.
Investing in the next generation
Jay Winford’s commitment to NCAT also extends to students following a path similar to his own.
He helped lead the NAPA Research and Education Foundation’s Road Scholars endowment campaign, which raised $3 million in 2023 and 2024 to support graduate fellowships for Auburn University students conducting research at NCAT.
Supported by contributions from more than 50 companies and individuals, the endowment helps graduate students pursue advanced degrees while gaining hands-on research experience alongside engineers addressing real industry challenges.
A new name for NCAT’s next chapter
The dedication comes as NCAT celebrates its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of research and collaboration with the asphalt pavement industry.
Since opening in 1986, NCAT has grown into an internationally recognized center for asphalt pavement research and education. Through laboratory studies, technical training and full-scale testing at its Test Track, NCAT helps transportation agencies and contractors improve pavement performance while preparing the next generation of asphalt industry professionals.
During the Nov. 3 ceremony, Auburn University President Chris Roberts presented the official naming resolution.
“NCAT has been an important part of Auburn’s mission for 40 years, showing what’s possible when university research is put to work for the public,” said Roberts. “The Winford family has played a meaningful role in that success, and their generosity will have an impact well beyond today. We’re proud to carry the Winford name forward as NCAT continues serving the industry and preparing future generations of engineers.”
Established in 1986 through a partnership between Auburn University and the National Asphalt Pavement Association’s Research and Education Foundation, the James M. Winford National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) addresses the nation’s pavement infrastructure needs through practical research, technology development and education. NCAT works with state departments of transportation, industry partners and agencies nationwide to advance safe, durable and sustainable asphalt pavements.