Dr. Ronell Pugh
PhD, International Psychology · MBA, Marketing · Behavioral Marketing Scholar · Consumer Psychologist · Marketing Educator
Research Identity
Dr. Pugh's scholarship examines the psychology behind consumer decisions and how trust, culture, technology, fairness, and marketplace systems shape behavior. His work is positioned in behavioral marketing and grounded in consumer psychology, with the DECODE Framework serving as a major research program on algorithmic marketing and consumer trust.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
International Psychology — The Chicago School
2024
- ·Organizations & Systems concentration
- ·Dissertation: Mental Health and Support Systems: The Impact on Dominican Republic Entrepreneurs
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Marketing — University of Redlands
- ·Graduate training in marketing strategy, management, and applied business analysis
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Biola University
Academic Appointments
Adjunct Faculty
Kentucky State University
2020–Present
- ·Marketing and business instruction across undergraduate and graduate courses
Faculty
FIDM
2018–2023
- ·Instruction in marketing and related business disciplines
Research Areas
Behavioral Marketing & Consumer Psychology
Consumer Decision-Making
Algorithmic Marketing & Personalization
Consumer Trust, Fairness & Psychological Safety
Culture & Marketplace Behavior
Entrepreneurial & Market Participation
Current Research Program
DECODE Framework
Cultural Determinants of Consumer Engagement in Digital Environments
- ·Current empirical focus: Black consumers and algorithmic marketing
- ·Core pathway: historical institutional distrust → cultural mistrust sensitivity → post-exposure algorithmic trust
- ·Behavioral outcomes: ad avoidance, purchase intention, and brand trust
- ·Experimental moderators: randomized transparency and personalization conditions
Courses Taught
Principles of Marketing
Consumer Behavior
Marketing Research
Strategic Marketing Management
Digital Marketing Strategy
Retailing Management
Personal Selling
Marketing Capstone
Performance Metrics
Social Media & New Media
Quality Management
Writing for New Media
Academic & Public Scholarship
Dr. Pugh's scholarly portfolio is developing across behavioral marketing, consumer psychology, algorithmic trust, culture, and marketplace behavior. Verified publications, presentations, and invited talks are listed on the Publications and Speaking pages as they become available.