Auburn University Names NCAT in Honor of Asphalt Industry Leader James M. Winford Sr.

The dedication celebrates generations of asphalt industry leadership and recognizes the Winford family’s longstanding commitment to pavement research and education.

Auburn University officially dedicated the James M. Winford National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) Nov. 3, 2026, recognizing a gift from James M. “Jay” Winford Jr. and his family in honor of his late father, James M. “Jim” Winford Sr.

The dedication comes as NCAT celebrates its 40th anniversary and recognizes a family whose involvement in the asphalt industry spans three 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.”

Three Generations of Asphalt Industry Leadership

The Winford family’s history in asphalt dates to 1935, when Jay Winford’s grandfather, L.M. “George” Winford, established a sand and gravel business near Minden, Louisiana. The business eventually expanded into surface treatment and asphalt production, with George owning and operating several asphalt plants throughout northern Louisiana.

His son, Jim Winford, continued the family’s involvement in the industry after serving in the military in Germany. A civil engineer, asphalt contractor and businessman, Jim became a prominent leader in Louisiana’s asphalt industry.

He served on the National Asphalt Pavement Association’s (NAPA) Board of Governors beginning in the 1960s and twice served as president of the Louisiana Asphalt Pavement Association. NAPA also recognized his contributions with its Distinguished Service Award for his board service from 1974 to 1976.

Jay Winford continued that tradition of industry leadership, serving as NAPA chairman from 2020 to 2021.

From NCAT’s First Graduate to Industry Leader

Jay Winford’s relationship with NCAT began in 1989, when he arrived at Auburn University to pursue his doctorate in civil engineering.

At the time, NCAT was just three years old, and researchers operated out of Auburn’s Harbert Engineering Center.

Winford conducted research under NCAT pioneers Freddy Roberts, Ken Kandhal and Ray Brown, who directed his dissertation. In 1991, he earned his Ph.D. in civil engineering, becoming NCAT’s first graduate.

Today, Winford serves as president and co-owner of Prairie Contractors, a Louisiana-based asphalt producer and highway contractor.

Throughout his career, he has remained involved with NCAT, serving on its Board of Directors since 2005, including a term as chairman from 2012 to 2016. He has also contributed to NCAT’s Applications Steering Committee.

In 2024, NCAT recognized his longstanding service and support by inducting him into its Wall of Honor.

Supporting the Next Generation of Asphalt Professionals

Beyond his leadership roles, Winford has helped expand educational opportunities for future asphalt industry professionals.

He helped lead the NAPA Research and Education Foundation’s Road Scholars endowment campaign, which raised $3 million during 2023 and 2024.

The endowment supports graduate fellowships for Auburn University students conducting research at NCAT, helping students pursue advanced degrees while gaining practical research experience.

More than 50 companies and individuals contributed to the campaign, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to developing future engineers and researchers.

NCAT Celebrates 40 Years of Asphalt Research

Established in 1986 through a partnership between Auburn University and NAPA’s Research and Education Foundation, NCAT has become an internationally recognized center for asphalt pavement research and education.

Its work includes laboratory research, technical training and full-scale pavement testing at the NCAT Test Track. Through collaboration with state departments of transportation, contractors and other industry partners, the center works to improve pavement performance and advance asphalt technology.

The Nov. 3 dedication brought together members of the Winford family, Auburn University leadership, NCAT’s Board of Directors and longtime industry partners.

During the 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.”

As NCAT enters its fifth decade, the James M. Winford National Center for Asphalt Technology carries forward a family legacy closely connected to asphalt production, contracting, industry leadership and research.