AU Alumnus Appointed Chief Engineer of ALDOT

Auburn University civil engineering alumnus Don Vaughn has been appointed chief engineer of the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) by Director Joe McInnes.

"Don has throughout his career represented Auburn Engineering very well through his exceptional talents in the field of civil engineering," says Larry Benefield, dean of the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. "The many posts he has held speak volumes for his ability to meet a wide range of challenges. This new appointment will be no exception."

Vaughn began working with ALDOT in 1966 as a survey crew member. Since receiving his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Auburn in 1971, he has served as assistant transportation engineer, assistant chief engineer, interstate environmental engineer, assistant location engineer, assistant chief of the design bureau, bureau chief of the office engineer bureau, and administrative engineer to the transportation director.

Vaughn is a retired commander of the U.S. Naval Reserves civil engineer corps and a former president of the Alabama Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He serves on the advisory board of the University Transportation Center of Alabama and several policy committees of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. He is also a member of AU's Civil Engineering Industry Liaison Council.

In addition to his responsibilities as chief engineer, Vaughn will continue his role as deputy director for operations, a position he has held since February 2003.