معرفی
Brian Higginbotham serves as Professor and Associate Vice President for Extension at Utah State University within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, Department of Family, Consumer, and Human Development. His office is located in AGRS 429 with contact number (435)-797-7276.
Educational background includes:
- PhD in Human Development/Family Studies from Auburn University (2005), Dissertation: The Remarriage Belief Inventory: Testing the factorial structure and validity with a remarried sample
- MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Auburn University (2002), Thesis: The association between adult attachment styles, religiosity, and courtship violence experienced by females
- BS in Psychology from Brigham Young University (2000)
Higginbotham's research centers on stepfamily dynamics and relationship education, with particular focus on remarriage adjustment, divorce intervention, and family strengthening programs. His work examines how relationship education impacts diverse populations including incarcerated fathers, Latino families, and youth. Through extensive mixed-methods research, he investigates predictors of marital stability, co-parenting dynamics post-divorce, and culturally responsive program design. His publications demonstrate strong emphasis on translating research into practical Extension programming that addresses real-world family challenges across the lifespan.
Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on dyadic relationship processes within remarriage and stepfamily contexts. His work prominently features longitudinal designs, actor-partner interdependence modeling, and mixed-methods approaches to evaluate relationship education effectiveness. Key trends include increasing attention to underserved populations (incarcerated individuals, ethnic minorities), technology-enhanced program delivery, and the intersection of economic stress with relationship outcomes. His research consistently bridges theoretical frameworks like the Vulnerability-Stress-Adaptation model with practical Extension applications.
Scientific recognition includes:
- Strong Human Services Award (2023)
- Excellence in Extension Award, Western Region Winner (2013)
- Million Dollar Researcher designation (2012)
- Multiple Florence Hall Awards (2011-2012)
- University Faculty Researcher of the Year (2010)
- Early Achievement Award (2009)
Higginbotham has directed numerous federally and state-funded Extension initiatives including Healthy Relationships Utah (2006-present), Divorce Education (2015-present), and the Utah Marriage Commission (2021-present). His mentoring impact is evidenced by the Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year award (2006-2007). Current grant activities focus on adapting relationship education for diverse populations through online platforms and community partnerships, with particular emphasis on serving military families, incarcerated individuals, and economically disadvantaged groups. His work demonstrates exceptional integration of research, teaching, and Extension outreach.
Leadership extends to directing statewide programs including the Utah Healthy Marriage Initiative (2009-2014) and Family Strengthening Relationships (2010-2016). His teams specialize in developing culturally responsive curricula like Smart Steps for Stepfamilies and evidence-based divorce education programming. Current projects focus on pandemic adaptation of relationship education services and expanding reach to American Indian and African American parents through tailored online interventions.
