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

March 27, 2026
Click here for 2025-2026 Q3 A Honor Roll Click here for 2025-2026 Q3 B Honor Roll Stellar work, Comets!
March 13, 2026
For Immediate Release Tulsa, OK — Bishop Kelley High School has announced the hiring of Holly Beers as the next Head Volleyball Coach, beginning with the 2026–2027 season. Beers brings a strong background in both high school and club volleyball, along with a commitment to student development that aligns with Bishop Kelley’s mission of forming young people in excellence, character, and leadership. Most recently Beers coached with Oklahoma Peak Volleyball Club in Oklahoma City, where she led multiple competitive teams and was selected by the Oklahoma Region Volleyball Association to coach Oklahoma’s U13 team at the USA Volleyball All-Star Championship in Madison, Wisconsin. She previously served as Head Varsity Volleyball Coach at Norman High School after two seasons as a varsity assistant coach. Beers has also contributed to athlete development through skill clinics with Oklahoma Peak and summer volleyball programming connected to the University of Oklahoma. Originally from Owasso, Beers attended Rejoice Christian School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in advertising with a minor in Spanish from the University of Oklahoma. “We are thrilled to welcome Holly to Bishop Kelley,” said Athletic Director Lance Parks. “She has been uniquely prepared for this opportunity through her experiences in high-level club and high school volleyball, and through the work ethic and tenacity she has demonstrated in all levels of coaching in Oklahoma. When the right person and the right moment come together, it inevitably turns into a blessing for us and the students in our programs. Holly’s passion for developing young women as competitors, leaders, and people of character makes her a perfect fit for Bishop Kelley.” Beers said she is honored to join the Bishop Kelley community and lead a program with such a proud tradition. “Bishop Kelley Volleyball has long been respected for its competitive spirit and strong culture,” Beers said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to build relationships with the student-athletes and help them grow both on the court and in life.” As head coach, Beers will oversee all levels of the Bishop Kelley volleyball program and work to continue the tradition of excellence established by previous generations of Comet athletes and coaches. In addition to leading the Comets volleyball program, Beers will teach in the Business Department at Bishop Kelley. About Bishop Kelley Volleyball The Bishop Kelley Volleyball program has a proud tradition of competitive excellence and leadership development within the OSSAA. For decades, Comet volleyball has been known for disciplined play, strong team culture, and student-athletes who compete with integrity while representing Bishop Kelley’s mission on and off the court. The program has produced numerous postseason appearances and continues to develop young women who pursue success in athletics, academics, and service. Through a commitment to teamwork, work ethic, and faith-centered leadership, Bishop Kelley Volleyball strives to prepare student-athletes for success long after their playing days are over. About Bishop Kelley High School Bishop Kelley High School is Oklahoma’s largest private high school and is considered a life-preparatory institution. It offers a faith-based education that fosters academic excellence, spiritual growth, and personal development. The school features a rigorous curriculum, including more than 40 honors and AP courses across a wide range of disciplines. With an average ACT score of 28 and an average SAT score of 1260, Bishop Kelley graduates are well prepared for college, with 90% attending four-year institutions. More than 65% of Bishop Kelley students participate in athletics, and the Blessed Stanley Rother Academic Support Program provides individualized assistance to students with diverse learning needs.