Jonathan Pettigrew promoted to associate professor

Jonathan Pettigrew, a communication scholar whose work is at the intersection of family communication and health communication, was recently tenured and promoted to associate professor at the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at Arizona State University. 

Pettigrew’s research has produced novel health intervention materials that serve youth, families, schools, and society. His projects have attracted over $1 million in federal funding, including the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of State.

“Jonathan’s work furthers our mission of educating leaders, building healthy communities and making discoveries that change the world,” said Linda Lederman, director and professor of the Hugh Downs School.  “His commitment to student success is inspiring.”

Among Pettigrew’s writing accomplishments is a peer-reviewed journal article titled “Parental Messages about Substance Use in Early Adolescence: Extending a Model of Drug-Talk Styles.”  It appeared in the Journal of Health Communication, a national scholarly journal. The article, published in February 2017, highlights Pettigrew’s research that parents who provide direct information, guidance or advice about substances like marijuana have adolescents who are less likely to experiment with drugs. The research was featured in a recent New York Times article, “When Your Teenager Asks ‘Did you Smoke Weed?’”

“I am proud to be in a school and among colleagues who care about excellence and community impact,” said Pettigrew.  “Earning tenure is a win not only for me but also for my family. I’m excited to move forward with work that improves the lives of adolescents and families.”