Faculty Feature: Dr. Jeff Hittenberger

Dr. Jeff Hittenberger serves Vanguard as a Professor and Dean of Education. Through this position, he serves an integral role for one of our largest departments at Vanguard University. Working with the students who want to be teachers or enter into the education world, Dr. Hittenberger is committed to creating an environment for educators to succeed.

While Dr. Hittenberger did not always know he would be the Dean of Education at Vanguard University, the seed of education was planted at a young age. Dr. Hittenberger spent most of his early years in Haiti, due to his parents’ callings of missionary work. It was while he was in Haiti that he developed an interest in education.

The lack of a functional public education system in Haiti sparked something within him. He felt a calling to a profession where he could create opportunities for education where there weren’t opportunities before.

Now, Dr. Hittenberger works as the Dean of Education and is blessed to collaborate with a great team in his department. He also feels very grateful for the Vanguard students he gets to interact with. In spaces that are often full of trauma and stress, Dr. Hittenberger enjoys that he can work with his students to show up as people that reflect the love of Christ, and God’s wisdom.

Along with working as Dean, Dr. Hittenberger runs and hosts a podcast, called Education for Love and Wisdom. This podcast encompasses the positivity and hope that can be found in the field of education. So often, the negativity is the predominant narrative, so Dr. Hittenberger uses this platform to intentionally uplift his listeners.

But education isn’t only important to Dr. Hittenberger because of his profession and calling—it is also where he met his wife of 33 years, Christine. The two of them met while both teaching English. He and Christine now have two children, Ben and Brianne who both bring Dr. Hittenberger much pride.

Anyone who has the pleasure to meet Dr. Hittenberger knows the incredible amount of positivity that he exudes. Whether working with students, other faculty, or running his podcast, he is dedicated to giving uplifting the love of Christ.