November 2014, Vol. 69, No. 11
Editor's Log
TTC: Back To Beginnings
As the saying goes, the more things change, the more they stay the same. In some cases, that’s a good thing.
A recent example of that old adage is the well-known Trenchless Technology Center (TTC) at Louisiana Tech University. Since its founding in 1991, the TTC has had its share of ups and downs, successes and challenges. But now, after a 20-year hiatus, the TTC’s founding director has returned to lead the center.
Dr. Tom Iseley, with the backing of then-department dean Dr. Les Guice, fulfilled an industry vision by starting an informal Trenchless Excavation Center in 1989. Initially, microtunneling was the primary focus of study for the fledgling center but when research broadened into a multitude of other trenchless methods, the name was changed to the Trenchless Technology Center. The formation of the center was a revolutionary step for trenchless construction and rehabilitation, providing much needed, essential research and development for an industry struggling to take flight. The TTC quickly became the nexus for trenchless research in North America.
Iseley moved on to other opportunities in 1994 and Guice moved up the administrative ladder at Louisiana Tech. Iseley continued to build a national reputation by working with private industry and city/state/federal government. He ultimately returned to academia as a professor and department chair at Indiana University/Purdue University at Indianapolis, IN, and continuing with industry support efforts.
The TTC lost some of its luster for a few years after Iseley departed until a new, permanent director was named in 1997. Dr. Ray Sterling brought a revised vision and promptly enacted a plan to make the TTC relevant again. When Sterling retired in 2009, Dr. Rob McKim, a former assistant director of the TTC, rejoined the center and partnered with TTC Research Director Erez Allouche as the new management of the center. Allouche took over primary director duties in 2012.
But again, times and situations can change quickly and unexpectedly. The untimely death of Dr. McKim combined with the decision by Dr. Allouche to take a leave of absence to pursue a consulting and research opportunity, led to another void of leadership. This came at a critical time frame when strong direction and vision was imperative if the TTC was to not only survive, but to prosper within the changing dynamic of the underground infrastructure market, all the while continuing to serve as an important research and development niche for the trenchless industry.
The administration at LaTech started a conversation with Iseley and Sterling about how the TTC could be resurrected. Soon, the dean came to the conclusion that if Iseley could be lured back, he represented the best opportunity for the TTC’s rebirth. It’s safe to say that Guice, now president of Louisiana Tech, had a behind-the-scenes role in successfully bringing back his old friend.
For Iseley, it was an opportunity to return “home.” He had maintained contact with the TTC, knew many of the professors and staff and was current with the basic operations of the TTC. But that didn’t mean a cushy new job awaited when he accepted the challenge of returning to the TTC. The center’s effectiveness and future hung in the balance and demanded immediate attention. That meant Iseley’s charge in his first year is to reorganize, revitalize and refocus the TTC.
“I haven’t worked this hard in a long time,” admits Iseley. But he readily jokes that right now retirement isn’t an option as “I don’t have anything else to do.” One definitely gets the feeling he knew exactly what he was getting himself into when he accepted the position of TTC director. He came into the job with an energetic approach and updated vision of what the TTC must achieve to remain a relevant market force. He understands the dynamic of working intimately with industry as that support has always been a vital component of the TTC’s success.
Other academia-based programs and efforts have since grown around the country and have proven to be extremely important in the growth of the trenchless industry. But much of those efforts trace their roots directly back to the TTC and frequently, Iseley.
Already, Iseley has reorganized staff, brought back a vital cog in Yadranka Simicevic and outlined a broad plan for visibility and growth. With Iseley, the TTC gains a degree of instant credibility and connection with many essential industry contacts and other intangibles. Iseley’s return to LaTech appears to be the perfect solution at the right time for the TTC.
Who knows how long Iseley will continue to drive the TTC before he “finds something to do” and retires? But for now, it appears like the TTC is in excellent hands. As it was in the beginning, it is again.
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