Paul Saville, PhD, CSCS

With a vested interest in the physical, mental, and spiritual development of others, Paul Saville, PhD, CSCS, serves the students of Azusa Pacific University as an associate professor, mentor, and mental performance coach. He strives to make a lasting impression on students’ academic and spiritual journeys by challenging them to explore the best ways for them to leverage their knowledge and skills to further the Kingdom of God.

Saville’s passion for sport, fitness, and psychology led him to pursue a doctoral degree in health and exercise psychology at McMaster University, during which time he engaged in a wide range of scholarly projects. His primary focus, however, revolved around the value of interpersonal interactions and the potential they have for bolstering efficacy beliefs among youth athletes. Saville has been a key contributor on several published works including two book chapters, six peer-reviewed journal articles, and several scholarly presentations. He is passionate about developing students’ ability to effectively interpret scholarly evidence, write academically, and to engage the research process in any way they can. His most recent program of research involves exploring the connections between athletic identity, religious orientation, and student-athlete well-being. He also finds pleasure in helping students find new ways to gain firsthand experience in research related to sport and exercise psychology.

Saville’s interest in health, fitness, and performance fuels his desire to teach and stems from his background in collegiate and professional athletics including baseball, hockey, and natural body building. Born and raised in Canada, Paul, his wife (Liz),and their two daughters are avid hockey fans and enjoy regular trips to Disneyland and the many beautiful beaches of Southern California.