Lasallian Founder's Alumni Award: Distinguished Alumni, David Nyikos

May 26, 2023

From the Bishop Kelley Class of 1991.

David Nyikos is a distinguished alumnus with extensive experience in International Security and Military Operations. His worldview is vast, and he’s used his expertise to create a safer, more secure tomorrow. His work has proved his ability as a leader and model of dedication and courage.


After graduating from Bishop Kelley in 1991, David attended the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado. Upon earning his bachelor’s degree in Engineering Sciences, he completed pilot training at the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training and F-15 follow-on training. With the training, David flew F-15 jets in Virginia and Alaska and acted as a forward air controller at Ft. Campbell in Kentucky. Upon earning his Master of Science in Engineering Management from the Air Force Institute of Technology, he was selected as a Service Chiefs’ Intern at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. He commanded a squadron in San Antonio and led men and women in ground and air combat in Afghanistan and over Iraq. He returned to school and earned his Master of Arts in Political and Military Sciences at the Royal Belgian Military Academy. He then worked as a representative for the Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman at the NATO Headquarters. He served as Director of the Joint Air Component Coordination Element and Chief of Staff of the NATO Air Component Afghanistan before returning to the United States as the Deputy Director of Operations at Air Combat Command.


David successfully led military squadrons to receive awards as the best air superiority squadron and the best support squadron in the Air Force. David is the current Chief of Defense Cooperation for the United States Air Force at the U.S. Embassy in The Hague, The Netherlands, coordinating security cooperation activities between the Department of Defense and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.


Beyond his professional positions, David has found time to volunteer across the country and the world. He’s coached basketball for the non-profit Upwards Sports and has found opportunities to serve in each school his children have attended. David Nyikos has found a balance between serving his country, maintaining an incredibly successful career, and building a strong family with an enduring marriage.


David’s intrinsic motivation to serve others and leave the world a better place than he found has led to his successes and ultimate recognition today.


Lasallian Founder’s Alumni Award

Recognizing the accomplishments of Outstanding Bishop Kelley Alumni who exemplify the five core principles of the Lasallian Mission; Faith in the Presence of God, Quality Education, Concern for the Poor & Social Justice, Respect for All Persons & Inclusive Community.


If you know a deserving BK Alumni, please nominate them here:

https://www.bishopkelley.org/alumni#LasallianFoundersAlumniAwardsNominationForm

April 1, 2025
Click here for 2024-2025 Q3 A Honor Roll Click here for 2024-2025 Q3 B Honor Rol l Stellar work, Comets!
March 5, 2025
TULSA, OK – March 5, 2025 – Bishop Kelley High School is excited to announce that David Alexander has joined the BK community as the new Offensive Line Coach and Math Faculty member for the 2025-2026 school year. With a wealth of experience in both education and football, Alexander brings a unique combination of skills to the school, enhancing both the athletic program and the academic environment. Alexander’s impressive career spans decades of football excellence, both as a player in the National Football League (NFL) and as a coach in the af2 arena football league and at the high school level. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1987, playing for the team until 1994. During his time in the NFL, Alexander showcased his versatility by playing all five offensive line positions, starting 110 of 126 games. After retiring from professional football, Alexander turned his focus to coaching and education. In recent years, Alexander has served as a high school math teacher and football coach at Jenks Public Schools, where he made significant contributions to the school's football program. As a Special Teams Coordinator, he helped lead Jenks to a District and State Championship in 2021 while also teaching Algebra 2/ELL and Newcomer Algebra 1. He also has extensive coaching experience at Broken Arrow High School, where he served as Head Football Coach and Assistant Athletic Director, helping lead the team to a 6A-1 State Championship in 2018 and multiple district titles. “I am incredibly excited to join the Bishop Kelley community,” said Alexander. “My passion for coaching and teaching has always been driven by a desire to make a positive impact on young people’s lives. I look forward to contributing to the success of both the Bishop Kelley football program and students in the classroom.” In addition to his teaching and coaching career, Alexander has earned numerous accolades, including being inducted into the Broken Arrow Athletic Hall of Fame and the Tulsa University Athletic Hall of Fame. He has also received prestigious awards including the Ed Block Courage Award with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association Humanitarian of the Year award. Alexander’s professional involvement extends beyond football, having served on the boards of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Jenks Foundation Auction, among others. “It’s rare to find an individual who is as stellar in the classroom as he is on the field. Coach Alexander is a fantastic addition to our Math Department, said BK Principal Jim Franz. “ We know he will have a lasting impact on both our students and student-athletes.” “We are thrilled to have Coach Alexander join the Comet community,” said Bishop Kelley Athletic Director Lance Parks. “His background, both as a former NFL player and a seasoned coach, is a tremendous asset to our athletics program. His passion for football, commitment to student development, and dedication to excellence in education make him a valuable addition to Bishop Kelley High School.” About Bishop Kelley School Bishop Kelley School is a Catholic diocesan high school located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which focuses on preparing students' hearts and minds for a purposeful life, for college and beyond. Founded in 1960, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and a deep commitment to spiritual formation. Bishop Kelley strives to educate the whole person, empowering students to become responsible, faith-filled leaders in their communities. Media Contact: Candace Maggard Manager of Marketing and Communications Bishop Kelley High School Phone: (918) 609-7143 Email: cmaggard@bishopkelley.org Website: www.bishopkelley.org