Mission
Since its inception in 1963, the Center for Transportation Research (CTR) at The University of Texas at Austin has evolved into one of the leading university-based transportation research facilities in the U.S.
Its ongoing mission remains:
- To conduct industry-leading transportation research
- To provide educational opportunities for University of Texas students
- To serve the public through research that responds to the transportation needs of Texas travelers.
CTR Celebrates 40 Years of Research, Education, and Public Service in 2003
College of Engineering Dean, Dr. Ben Streetman, stands with the three CTR Directors. (From left): Dean Ben Streetman, Dr. Randy B. Machemehl, Dr. B. Frank McCullough, and Dr. Clyde E. Lee.
History
In 1963, Dr. Clyde Lee established the Center for Highway Research, which merged with the Council for Advanced Transportation Studies to become the Center for Transportation Research. He held the position of Director for 17 years. Under Dr. Lee’s guidance the Center quickly established its position in the world as one of the top university-based transportation research centers.
Dr. B. Frank McCullough, Adnan Abou-Ayyash Centennial Professor Emeritus in Transportation Engineering, continued the Center's mission for 19 years (1980-1999). Dr. McCullough has specialized in the design and behavior of continuously reinforced concrete pavement. Prior to 1969, he worked with the Texas Highway Department in the Materials, Research, and Development division.
Dr. Randy B. Machemehl, Nasser I. Al-Rashid Centennial Professor in Transportation Engineering, became the current Director of the Center for Transportation Research in 1999. He also serves as Associate Director of the Southwest Region University Transportation Center headquartered at Texas A&M University.