Christy Tapps receiving recognition from alma mater

Christy Tapps receiving recognition from alma mater

Christy Tapps, who serves Northwest Missouri State University as its assistant vice president of student affairs for health and well-being, is being honored Jan. 16 as an inaugural recipient of the Oklahoma State University Outstanding Young Alumni Award.

Tapps graduated from Oklahoma State with a master's degree in health and human performance in 2009 after completing her bachelor's degree in sports medicine and athletic training at Missouri State University.

The award recognizes Oklahoma State alumni who are age 40 or younger and have distinguished themselves through their profession and betterment of their community.

"This honor means more to me than a title or recognition - it represents the people, mentors and students who have shaped my journey," Tapps said. "It reminds me why I chose this profession in the first place and reinforces my commitment to serve others with the same care and dedication that was shown to me."

A respected leader with more than 20 years of experience in collegiate athletics, clinical health and wellness administration, Tapps has made a lasting impact on student well-being and campus safety. Since joining Northwest in 2016, she has served as head athletic trainer, senior woman administrator and director of sports medicine, transforming athletic healthcare practices and expanding services to meet the evolving needs of students.

"Each role I've held at Northwest has been deeply meaningful in its own way and has allowed me to serve students from different vantage points," Tapps said. "As an athletic trainer, I cared for student-athletes physically, but the role to me was always about far more than injuries and rehabilitation. It was about caring for their whole being."

In her current role at Northwest, Tapps provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the University's integrated health clinic, counseling and wellness education and prevention services. She leads a team focused on advancing student success to help every student feel seen, supported and equipped to thrive - physically, mentally and emotionally. Her leadership also focuses on collaborating with faculty and staff to support the physical and emotional well-being of students.

"I'm so incredibly proud of the Wellness Services team for the work they do for our students each day, the services we provide and the direction we're headed," Tapps said. "It's also personal for me because I truly believe wellness is foundational to student success, and I feel fortunate to serve in a role that impacts people in such a tangible way every day."

In 2018, she received recognitions from Northwest and the National Athletic Trainers' Association for saving the life of a Northwest track and field athlete who collapsed, lost consciousness and stopped breathing during a practice. Tapps began CPR on the student-athlete and used an automated external defibrillator to revive his heart.

In 2025, she was named a recipient of the Glenn L. McElroy Service Award by the Missouri Athletic Trainers' Association (MoATA), honoring her years of leadership and advocacy within the profession. She also served on the MoATA Executive Board from 2019 to 2024, advancing engagement and professional development across the state.