“Modernizing standards, mentoring generations—Gene Hawkins shapes the future of traffic control.”
We’re an interconnected nationwide team, but we each have our own reasons for being passionate about the work we do. This month, get to know Gene Hawkins—a nationally recognized voice on traffic control devices whose leadership through the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Device (NCUTCD) has shaped the Manual Uniform Traffic Control Device (MUTCD) and the transportation profession for decades.
Gene Hawkins is a nationally recognized leader in traffic control standards whose four decades of research and service have earned him the nickname “Mr. MUTCD.” During his eight years as Chair of the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (NCUTCD), Gene helped modernize the committee’s structure and operations, making it more responsive to technological change while maintaining its technical rigor. He expanded industry participation, strengthened internal processes, and guided NCUTCD through pivotal moments, including the development of the 11th Edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) during the pandemic. As he prepares to step down as Chair in January, Gene’s leadership has left a lasting mark on national traffic control standards and the professionals who shape them.
As Chair, Gene led updates to the NCUTCD strategic plan, bylaws, and operating procedures, improving efficiency and transparency while opening the door to broader participation. His efforts attracted new sponsors and encouraged greater involvement from younger professionals. Earlier in his career at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, Gene conducted research that directly informed national minimum retroreflectivity standards for traffic signs, significantly improving nighttime visibility and roadway safety. Alongside these technical contributions, Gene has been a dedicated mentor and educator, sharing his expertise as a professor at Texas A&M and consistently connecting research with real-world practice.
A Lifelong Influence on Traffic Control Standards
Gene Hawkins’s career has been defined by a sustained commitment to traffic engineering and safety. Known throughout the profession as “Mr. MUTCD,” he is widely respected for his deep understanding of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and its practical application. Over roughly forty years, Gene has played a unique role in connecting research, practice, and policy. His early work at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute on drivers’ ability to see signs at night helped establish minimum retroreflectivity requirements that remain in place today. These contributions brought national recognition and laid the foundation for his long-standing involvement with NCUTCD.
As his role within NCUTCD grew, Gene brought this technical and historical perspective to committee leadership. Rising from committee member to Chair, he helped modernize NCUTCD operations while preserving the principles that give the MUTCD its authority. His understanding of how and why standards evolved allowed him to guide updates thoughtfully, balancing innovation with continuity and ensuring that changes were grounded in both evidence and experience.
Visionary Leadership and Collaborative Style
Peers describe Gene as a leader with clear vision, strong opinions, and a strong ability to move work forward, paired with a collaborative approach that brings people along. He is known for understanding how individual elements of transportation safety fit into a larger system and for engaging a wide range of stakeholders, from federal agencies to local practitioners and early-career engineers. This inclusive approach helped ensure that diverse perspectives informed the development of traffic control standards.
At the same time, Gene is recognized for his humility and openness to new ideas. While he sets high expectations, he listens carefully and encourages others to take on leadership roles. One of his defining contributions as Chair was actively expanding opportunities for younger professionals, helping position NCUTCD for long-term relevance. Colleagues often note that Gene takes the time to personally welcome newcomers and value their input, creating an environment that balances authority with approachability and mentorship.
Contributions and Achievements at a Glance
Over his career, Gene Hawkins has accumulated a remarkable list of contributions that have advanced transportation engineering and the mission of NCUTCD. Below is a summary of some of his key roles and achievements:
Modernized the committee’s structure and processes by updating strategic plans and bylaws, increasing efficiency. Expanded industry participation by bringing in new sponsors and creating leadership opportunities for younger professionals. Guided NCUTCD through pivotal moments like the 11th MUTCD edition review during COVID-19, organizing hundreds of hours of virtual meetings to gather comprehensive feedback despite travel disruptions.
Pioneered influential research on traffic control devices at Texas A&M Transportation Institute. In particular, Gene’s studies on sign visibility and retroreflectivity were instrumental in establishing national minimum retroreflectivity standards for traffic signs, significantly improving nighttime road safety (these standards were later adopted into the MUTCD).
Recognized as a leading historian of the MUTCD, Gene Hawkins curates and shares resources that help practitioners and attorneys interpret and apply the manual correctly. His deep institutional knowledge earned him the nickname “Mr. MUTCD,” and he has ensured that historical context informs current and future standards. Gene maintains a well-organized historical library of MUTCD documents, carefully cataloging and preserving past publications—many originally collected by his father, who was also a traffic engineer. This collection serves as an important reference for practitioners, regulators, and legal professionals, ensuring that current decisions are informed by historical context.
Taught and mentored future transportation engineers as a professor at Texas A&M. Emphasized the connection between research and practice and encouraged students and young professionals to engage with organizations like NCUTCD. Many credit Gene’s teaching and mentorship with inspiring their own careers in traffic safety and standards development.
A Lasting Legacy
Gene Hawkins’s legacy reflects both the tangible improvements he championed and the inclusive culture he helped foster. Through updated standards, improved processes, and a commitment to mentorship, he strengthened NCUTCD’s ability to respond to change while maintaining high technical standards. By broadening participation and elevating new voices, he helped ensure continuity and resilience within the organization.
After more than eight years as NCUTCD Chair, Gene leaves behind a stronger committee and a clearer path forward. His influence will continue to be felt through safer roadways, more effective standards, and a community of professionals shaped by his example. Gene Hawkins’s career stands as a model of dedicated service, thoughtful leadership, and lasting impact on transportation safety.