More Than Science: How Dr. Paul Hwang Connects Kinesiology and Faith

Dr. Paul Hwang, chair of Vanguard University’s kinesiology department, sees his work as an act of worship—mentoring students, deepening faith, and making science come alive. His passion for teaching and personal transformation inspires future leaders in health and fitness. 
 
Few would draw connections between nutrition and the glorification of God, but for Paul Hwang, PhD, these elements are deeply intertwined. As the chair of the department and associate professor of kinesiology at Vanguard University, Hwang’s journey to becoming an educator is shaped by his faith, his own transformative fitness journey, and a calling to mentor students through a season of major discovery. 

A Journey of Faith and Fitness 

Hwang’s passion for kinesiology is rooted in his own experiences. His weight loss journey as a young student not only reshaped his physical health, it deepened his faith and curiosity about the human body. “That transformation of losing weight throughout that hard summer was a way to glorify Him,” Hwang shared. “It was the catalyst that got me fired up about how everything in the body works together.” 

From an initial interest in medicine to ultimately finding his passion in education, Hwang’s journey was not a direct path. He changed majors multiple times before earning his bachelor’s degree in biology at Wheaton College. There, a faculty mentor introduced him to kinesiology, sparking a lifelong pursuit of understanding exercise science. He went on to earn his master’s and PhD at Baylor University, ultimately realizing his true calling: teaching. 

The Calling to Teach 

Hwang described his role as an educator as a divine appointment. “Every single time I teach different topics—nutrition, sport nutrition, exercise physiology—I still experience lightbulb moments,” he explained. 

His enthusiasm for learning is contagious, inspiring his students to push beyond memorization and truly engage with the material intellectually and spiritually. Tyler Aanonson ’24, former student and adjunct professor of chemistry at Vanguard, explained how Hwang drew intuitive connections between the functionality of the human body and God’s presence: “It was never forced, but his faith was evident in every single lecture he gave,” Aanonson reflected. “Seeing a man of science believe so firmly in Jesus as our creator built my faith and demonstrated to me that faith and science are not opposing forces but go hand in hand.” 

A Professor Who Cares 

Beyond the classroom, Hwang is deeply invested in his students’ personal and professional growth. His mentorship extends beyond office hours to ensure that every student feels supported. Aanonson recalls a particular instance that to Hwang’s character. While struggling with another class, Aanonson turned to Hwang for help; despite it not being a class he taught, he went above and beyond to help Aanonson understand the material. “With so much love and kindness, he stayed for an hour after he was supposed to leave, teaching me the concepts,” Aanonson shared. 

Giovanna Crivello ’22, adjunct professor of kinesiology at Vanguard and a former student of Hwang’s, continues to be encouraged and inspired by his mentorship. “He has guided me through my student years and into the beginnings of my career,” she said, “helping me bridge the gap between faith and education—showing me how both were meant to function together.” 

A Legacy of Faith and Excellence

Hwang sees his role at Vanguard as more than just teaching; it is a mission field where he helps students grow intellectually, professionally, and spiritually. “Our role as educators is to nurture students, to see their growth holistically,” he said. “It’s not just about their intellectual development, but also their spiritual awareness and faith journey.” 

A key part of that mission has been enhanced by the Freed Center for Leadership and Service, dedicated in October 2024. “I am very excited to actively witness how our new facilities can both cultivate and optimize a dynamic learning environment for all of our Kinesiology majors,” Hwang shared. “The multitude of new laboratory equipment, larger classroom spaces with active learning modalities, as well as the myriad of student lounge spaces for encouraging community and collegiality amongst peers significantly elevates the educational experience for our students.” 

His hope for his students is that they would develop a deep appreciation for the intricate design of the human body and how it reflects God’s handiwork. “I want them to explore, to think critically, and to see that what they study is not just science—it’s an act of worship.”