ASCE has honored Stephan Durham, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE, with the 2026 Wilbur S. Smith Award for his work spanning materials, construction, and safety, producing results that bridge academic research and real-world application.
Through his commitment to advancing engineering education, Durham has transformed engineering education at the University of Georgia. As the visionary leader of UGA’s Engineering Capstone Design Program, he connects student teams with public agencies and industry partners to address real-world infrastructure and community challenges. By embedding experiential learning and cross-sector collaboration into the curriculum, he has redefined how programs prepare engineers for the complex responsibilities of design, construction, and safety management.
Additionally, through his partnership with ACEC Georgia, he consistently facilitates meaningful opportunities for students to participate in the Georgia Transportation Summit, fostering professional growth and industry exposure for
future transportation engineers.
Durham also led the development of UGA’s Civil Engineering degree program, guiding it through the College of Engineering’s first full ABET accreditation in 2015 and successful reaccreditation in 2022. UGA is likely the last of the land-grant institutions in the country to add a new undergraduate degree program. Durham was involved in all aspects of the program’s development, including curriculum, faculty hiring, laboratory design/construction, and accreditation with the program growing to over 500 undergraduates enrolled. Under his leadership, UGA was selected by ASCE to receive the 2024 Walter LeFevre Award in the Large Program Category – recognizing national excellence in promoting ethics, professionalism, and licensure within the curriculum.
The Wilbur S. Smith Award recognizes contributions to the enhancement of the civil engineer’s role in highway engineering.
