Vanguard University

Jeff Hittenberger is a Professor of Education at Vanguard University. He has held multiple positions on campus including Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Education.

“I grew up in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. I went to school there because my parents relocated due to their work as missionaries. I received an excellent education and enjoyed being immersed in such a rich multi-cultural environment.”  

After high school, Jeff received his bachelor’s degree from Evangel University and his Master’s degree and PhD from the University of Southern California. His childhood inspired his passion for education and his desire to provide educational opportunities for students who hadn’t had them. This path led him to work on education projects and conduct research in Cameroon, Mali, Togo, South Africa, Israel and Haiti. His focus has been the same: encouraging educators to practice teaching and engage in civic life with wisdom and love. Jeff has taught K-12, undergraduate and now teaches graduate level courses and has also served as a public education teacher and administrator, most recently in the role of Chief Academic Officer at the Orange County Department of Education.

“In California, there are tremendous opportunities for students pursuing careers in education. I encourage those who are interested to pursue it. Education needs great teachers now more than ever. Pragmatically, you can make a good living and have outstanding benefits. And you’ll be doing work that makes a huge difference in students’ lives. Working together, we can offer greater opportunities for all and create more embracing, empowering, and loving communities of learning.”

Today, Jeff resides in Lakes Forest with his wife of 31 years, Christine, and his son Ben. He met his wife in Haiti where she was teaching at the time. Their daughter Brianne graduated from Vanguard and is working as a speech pathologist in Los Angeles. When he is not working, he enjoys hiking, nature, trips to the Grand Canyon, and watching sports, including soccer and basketball. His favorite soccer team is Liverpool FC and his favorite athlete is Lionel Messi.

Jeff says, “I love being part of the Vanguard University community because at Vanguard we believe that God intends for every person to flourish, to become all that God created them to be physically, spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, and socially. Vanguard is the perfect place to equip yourself to engage in public education, or in any domain of society, in ways that give everyone the opportunity to flourish.”

Vanguard is thankful for Jeff’s passion and contribution to higher education. We are excited to see the new generation of teachers that he helps mentor.