John A. Barton Returns to Lead Operations at Texas A&M-RELLIS
BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Chancellor Glenn Hegar of The Texas A&M University System announced today the return of John A. Barton, P.E., who will lead operations at Texas A&M-RELLIS, the A&M System’s premier applied research campus.
Barton brings decades of experience in public service and private industry. He previously served as Associate Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives from 2016-2018 at the A&M System, where he helped launch the RELLIS campus. He also played a key role in the state’s recovery efforts following Hurricane Harvey, and he has taught Aggie students about leadership, public administration and transportation innovation.
“John Barton is a proven leader with a deep understanding of infrastructure, innovation and public service,” Hegar said. “His return to the A&M System is a win for Texas and for the future of Texas A&M-RELLIS.”
Before joining the A&M System, Barton retired as Deputy Executive Director of the Texas Department of Transportation, capping a 30-year career. His leadership helped shape the state’s transportation system and his work earned honors from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) and the Governor’s Office.
Most recently, he worked at HNTB Corp., a national engineering and architecture firm that provides planning, design, engineering, architecture and construction management services for infrastructure projects.
“I’m grateful to Chancellor Hegar and the leadership of the Texas A&M System for the opportunity to return,” Barton said. “With the exceptional team already in place at Texas A&M-RELLIS, I’m confident we’ll expand the System’s applied research efforts and deliver meaningful results for Texas and the country.”
A proud Aggie, Barton graduated with honors in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1986, and he is a Distinguished Graduate of the Zachry Department of Civil Engineering and continues to serve on national boards focused on transportation safety and innovation.
Texas A&M-RELLIS, located in Bryan, Texas, is a collaborative campus for research, education and workforce development, bringing together academic institutions, industry and government partners to solve real-world problems.
“John Barton understands what it means to serve Texas,” Chairman Robert Albritton said. “His leadership, experience and deep ties to the A&M System make him the ideal person to guide RELLIS as it grows into a hub for innovation, workforce development and real-world impact.”
About The Texas A&M University System
The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest and most impactful higher education systems in the country, with an annual budget of $8.1 billion. Its statewide network includes 12 universities, a comprehensive health science center, eight state agencies, Texas A&M–Fort Worth and the Texas A&M–RELLIS. The Texas A&M System serves approximately 175,000 students and reaches millions more through service, research and outreach programs each year. With nearly $1.6 billion in annual research expenditures, the A&M System fuels innovation, supports communities and drives Texas’ economy forward.
Media Contact:
Chris Bryan
Vice Chancellor of Marketing and Communications
cbryan@tamus.edu