Matthew Renfrow

Dean of Natural & Applied Sciences

I Serve in...

Kinesiology Department

Education

• PhD, Human Performance/Exercise Science, Middle Tennessee State University
• MS, Exercise Science and Health Promotion, Middle Tennessee State University
• BS, Exercise Science and Health Promotion, Belmont University

Career Accomplishments

I spent 14 years in the classroom at Taylor with incredible students who are doing Kingdom work in a wide range of healthcare fields. Some of my best memories are facilitating fitness assessment and exercise programming research with inmates at New Castle Correctional Facility as well as directing our Pediatric Weight Management program, Live Well.

In addition to my teaching and mentoring work, I’ve served in various leadership roles, including Department Chair and now Dean of the School of Natural and Applied Sciences. I’ve been honored with both the Dr. Joe Burnworth Early Career Award for Teaching and Taylor University’s Distinguished Professor Award. Whether through prison outreach, pediatric care, or faith-integrated instruction, I remain passionate about forming students who are equipped to serve Christ and others through health and science.

Featured Publications

Renfrow, M. (2025) Do As I Say...And as I Do. Christian Scholar's Review

Renfrow, M. (2011) The relationship between sports participation and health-related physical fitness in middle school and high school students. Physical Educator 68 (3), 118-123

White, M. & Renfrow, M. (2018) A cross-training program does not alter self-reported physical activity levels in elementary school children. International Journal of Exercise Science. 11(5):308-315.

Pfeifer, D., Arvin, K., Haynes, N., Herschberger, C., & Renfrow, M. (2017) A low dose caffeine and carbohydrate supplement does not improve athletic performance during volleyball competition. International Journal of Exercise Science, 10(3): 340-353.

Renfrow, M., Caputo, J., Otto, S., Farley, R., & Eveland, B. (2011). The relationship between sports participation and health-related physical fitness in middle school and high school students. The Physical Educator, 68(3), 118-123.

About

I was a collegiate soccer player (goalie!) and specialized in pediatric exercise physiology in graduate school. And I still get to work in those areas here at TU. I play intramural soccer with students as well as volunteer coach with our varsity soccer teams. I teach a lifespan exercise physiology course and help run the pediatric weight management program. I am truly blessed to work at a Christ-centered institution that I love, with colleagues who are exceptional, and for students who are excellent!

Outside of work, I enjoy watching movies, watch-collecting, and shoe-shining.