Nicole A. Wilkins, clinical assistant professor of athletic training in The University of Tulsa’s Oxley College of Health & Natural Sciences, is headed to the iconic Boston Marathon as a dedicated medical volunteer. This will be her third consecutive year providing care at the race where she will join a team of nearly 100 athletic trainers and more than 1,600 other health care providers.
“The energy of the event is unmatched – not only because of the athletes and their inspiring stories, but also because of the teamwork and shared commitment of all the health care providers to providing the best possible care,” she said.
At UTulsa, Wilkins is the director of athletic training clinical education and the director of the Henneke Center for Academic Fulfillment. She also is a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and holds several leadership positions within the profession of athletic training at the state, district, and national levels.
Her journey into athletic training began during her time at Boston University. Initially interested in physical therapy, it wasn’t until she took an Introduction to Health Professionals course and learned about athletic training that she felt truly inspired about a potential career. “I was hooked and knew right away that was the career I was meant to pursue and have been forever grateful for making that choice to change my major,” she said.
Prior to joining the faculty at UTulsa, Wilkins spent more than a decade as a collegiate athletic trainer and adjunct instructor at a St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, where she earned the affectionate nickname “Momma Nicole” – a nod to her unwavering support, compassion, and occasional tough-love approach needed to ensure her patients thrived on and off the field. It was that passion for mentorship that led Wilkins to transition into teaching full time. Today, she continues to foster that same spirit by guiding her students in the classroom and in real-world clinical settings, helping them grow into confident, compassionate health care professionals.
“While I take great pride in equipping students with the clinical skills necessary to excel in their profession, the most fulfilling part of my work is witnessing their growth – both as future clinicians and as individuals,” she said. “The classroom offers a space for dynamic, transformative conversations that challenge students to think critically, embrace new perspectives, and discover their own paths in the field.”
Wilkins sees every setting as an opportunity to mentor — even the Boston Marathon. Each year, she brings students from UTulsa’s master’s in athletic training program to join her at the event. The experience allows them to apply what they have learned in a real-life setting, while also serving as a meaningful milestone for them, as the marathon takes place shortly before graduation. (This year it is April 21.)
“Mentorship, to me, is about more than simply guiding someone through their academic or professional journey. It’s about fostering meaningful connections, providing support, and empowering others to realize their full potential,” she said. “Being a mentor means being a steady presence, someone who offers encouragement, honest feedback, and the occasional push when needed. It’s about meeting people where they are, helping them navigate challenges, and celebrating their successes along the way.”