Dr. Sam Wilkins
- Director, Athletic Training Program
- School of Health and Kinesiology, Associate Professor
General Information
Biography
Dr. Samuel Wilkins is an Associate Professor and Program Director for the Athletic Training Program in the School of Health and Kinesiology. He completed his PhD from Rocky Mountain University in August 2021 and his master's degree in Exercise Science from UNO in 2012. He completed his bachelor's degree and athletic training education at Missouri State University in 2010. He has been a member of the faculty at UNO since 2015. Dr. Wilkins continues to work clinically part-time as an athletic trainer in the sports medicine program at Nebraska Medicine. He volunteers on various professional committees at the local, state, regional and national levels.
Teaching Interests
Dr. Wilkins teaches courses related to Athletic Training Techniques, Orthopedic Assessment, Healthcare Administration and Special Topics in Sports Medicine.
Research Interests
Dr. Wilkins' research focuses on early sport specialization and injury risk in youth sports, baseball-related injuries, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and using patient-reported outcome measures to assess performance and injury risk.
Service Summary
Dr. Wilkins is involved in service to the athletic training profession at the local, state, regional and national levels through work on various committees, particularly related to work around education, assessment and governmental affairs. He also serves on several committees at UNO including the UNO Academic Assessment Committee, Faculty Senate, and the Division of Continuing Studies Faculty Academic Policy Committee.
Awards and Honors
2018 Young Professionals Committee Distinction Award, Service, Professional - 2018
MAATA Athletic Training Educator of the Year, Teaching - 2024
Education
Ph D, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, Utah, Health Science , Athletic Training, 2021
MS, University of Nebraska Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, 2012
BS, Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri, Athletic Training, Biomedical Sciences, 2010
Licensures and Certifications
Certified Athletic Trainer, Board of Certification, Inc., 06/08/2010 - 12/31/2023
Licensed Athletic Trainer, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, 05/01/2015 - 05/01/2023
Scholarship/Research/Creative Activity
Selected Publications
Ide, Tomohiro, Thomas, Stephen, Ogasawara, Takato, Rosen, Adam, Knarr, Brian, Akehi, Kazuma, Wilkins, Samuel. 2026. Shoulder Strength and Total Arc Range of Motion are Associated with Upper Extremity Joint Kinetics and Ball Velocity in Adolescent Baseball Pitchers, Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine.
Wilkins, Samuel, Martin, Malissa, Kahanov, Leamor, Bell, David, Post, Eric. 2023. Motivation and Behaviors Related to Sport Specialization in College Baseball Players, Journal of Athletic Training.
Service
Department, College, and University
Faculty Senate, University Senate Service, 08/01/2024 - 08/31/2024
Academic Assessment Committee, Committee Member, 08/01/2021 - 08/31/2021
Professional
Board of Certification, Inc. - Exam Development Committee, Committee Member, Review exam items for our national Board of Certification exam submitted by athletic trainer item-writers. Participate in item analysis to create high-stakes certification exam., 12/01/2015 - 12/31/2015
Mid-America Athletic Trainers Association, Committee Chair, This is a new committee for the MAATA which will work to enhance the professional development offerings for members of the association. , 09/01/2021 - present
Nebraska State Athletic Trainers' Association, Officer, Vice President, 06/08/2024 - present
Administrative Assignments
Other, Program Director - Athletic Training Program, 07/01/2025