Brian Hyma

Dr. Hyma is entering his 22nd year teaching in the Exercise and Sports Science department here at ONU. He spent his first five years as the Head Athletic Trainer and Assistant Professor, overseeing the health care for all athletes participating in sports. From 2006-2023 Dr. Hyma served as the Educational Director of the Athletic Training Program which graduated over 200 students. He has been serving as the Chair of the Exercise and Sports Science department since 2020 providing oversight of all the majors in the department. As a certified athletic trainer for the past 29 years, Dr. Hyma continues to find ways to utilize his knowledge in the care and wellbeing of those in an active lifestyle.

Dr. Hyma received his Bachelors of Science degree on Kinesiology with emphasis in Athletic Training from Liberty University and his Master’s in Athletic Training degree from Western Michigan University. He received his Doctorate in Education from Olivet Nazarene University with his dissertational emphasis in the effect of education on the self-reporting rate of concussion in the colligate athlete. Dr. Hyma teaches numerous courses within the department including Kinesiology, Survey of Anatomy, Orthopedic Evaluation, and General Medical Conditions.

Since his traditional education, Dr. Hyma has focused his continuing education on the functional movement patterns of the body. He really enjoys having students join him in the study of these movement patterns of the body, the possible abnormal patterns, and how those abnormal patterns can be corrected to prevent injury along with enhancing athletic performance. Most of all, Dr. Hyma has a passion the help students realize how God has wired them and guide them towards their potential to impact their world as a servant of Jesus.

Dr. Hyma loves the outdoors. Whether it’s backpacking in Alaska, Canada and Tennessee, canoeing on the Kankakee river, or camping with his family, being outdoors is what fills him up. He also enjoys playing golf, and always believes he has that amazing shot somewhere in his game. He also has a passion for missions leading numerous short- term student mission trips to the Dominican Republic and State side.

Dr. Hyma resides in Bourbonnais with his wife, Melissa, daughter Nora, and two sons, Titus and Reid. He lives by and encourages all his students to love by the verse John 10:10, “The thief comes only to kill, steal and destroy; I [Jesus] have come to give life, and give it to the fullest.” Dr. Hyma’s passion is to live life to the fullest through Jesus Christ.