Pettus named executive director of Auburn University Applied Research Institute in Huntsville

Auburn University’s Office of the Senior Vice President for Research and Economic Development has named Jonathan Pettus executive director of the Auburn University Applied Research Institute (AUARI) in Huntsville on Feb. 1.

Pettus previously spent 27 years at NASA, where he held several executive leadership roles, including chief information officer and associate director of the Marshall Space Flight Center.

He most recently retired from Dynetics/Leidos, where he led a business unit that supported programs in space, hypersonics and cybersecurity solutions.

Pettus began his career as a high school mathematics teacher and basketball coach.

“I’ve always been intrigued and enthusiastic about space and technology,” he said. “I’m excited about the opportunity to help with the overall strategic goal of continuing to grow Auburn’s impact in applied research.

“There’s great opportunity at AUARI to expand efforts aimed at solving real-world problems.”

“The Applied Research Institute will be in capable hands with Jonathan Pettus as its executive director,” said Steve Taylor, senior vice president for research and economic development. “He brings to the position a wealth of knowledge and experience in the aerospace, defense and advanced technology sectors.

“I’m confident he will help us expand critical applied research efforts that address key challenges from our government and industry partners.”

The Auburn University Applied Research Institute operates within the Auburn University Research and Innovation Campus in Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park, near Redstone Arsenal—a 38,000-acre federal research, development, test and engineering center.

The institute brings together Auburn faculty, research professionals and students to conduct cutting-edge applied research across a range of technology readiness levels, helping customers overcome challenges in aerospace, defense, national security and biotechnology.