Generations of Orange: A closer look at a family legacy rooted in Oklahoma State

Generations of Orange: A closer look at a family legacy rooted in Oklahoma State

Friday, September 19, 2025

Media Contact: Mack Burke | Associate Director of Media Relations | 405-744-5540 | [email protected]

With a legacy spanning six decades, the Nickles family has a connection to Oklahoma State University that runs deep.

When Clark Nickles, '66 management, chose to attend OSU, he had no idea he would be starting a legacy that would continue for more than 60 years. Since 1966, 30 members of the Nickles family have attended OSU - and they're still counting.

Clark and his siblings grew up in Ponca City, Oklahoma, and all five of them decided to further their education at OSU, where Clark (the oldest) became a first-generation college graduate.

"My dad and his siblings all attended OSU, as did their spouses," said Bob Nickles, '89 mechanical design technology, Clark's son. "The Nickles tie to Oklahoma State grew very quickly through that era."

There was never a question about where Bob would one day go to school. He traveled from Ponca City to Stillwater whenever the opportunity arose for wrestling matches or football games. His Boy Scouts troop even served at a football game, helping fans find their seats.

Bob also met his wife, Elizabeth (Dula), '88 hotel and restaurant administration, from Marietta, Oklahoma, at OSU. Elizabeth's connection to OSU started when her older sister chose to go to Stillwater.

"I traveled by train to visit my sister by myself when I was 11 years old," Elizabeth said. "I remember being in the Student Union and all around campus, and it was just a wonderful experience."

Bob, his brother, sister and 10 first cousins all chose to continue their family's legacy and attend OSU, where three of them also met their future spouses on campus. This second generation, spanning graduates from 1988 until 2003, brought the count for Nickles at OSU from nine to 23.

The legacy Clark started was truly underway.

Having grown up surrounded by Cowboy alumni and fans, Bob and Elizabeth understand the importance of remaining involved and connected to the university after graduation.

"At this point in life and because we live outside of Oklahoma, we really value the OSU connection and appreciate it when we run across it," Elizabeth said. "We are very grateful to have the opportunity to be engaged in a lot of different ways on campus and with the university."

Four of Bob and Elizabeth's five children graduated from OSU, though the family has lived outside Houston since 2001.

"OSU is where my grandparents went to school, where my parents met, where three of my siblings and I found our own paths, and where so many of our memories were made. It's more than a legacy; it's part of who we are," said Bridgette Nickles, '20 human development and family science, Bob and Elizabeth's daughter. "Being able to continue that and add my own chapter to our family's OSU story is something I'm very proud of."

Clark could never have imagined the impact choosing OSU all those years ago would have. The Cowboy family lost a great man when Clark Nickles passed away in April 2025. His legacy continues to grow with Charlie and Austin Nickles joining the largest Cowboy freshman class in fall 2025.

"Last year, when I toured campus, my grandpa joined us and was so excited to tell me about the buildings that he had classes in and memories he had from his time there," said Charlie Nickles, Clark's granddaughter. "I am very excited to be in Stillwater and feel close to my grandpa."

Bob added, reflecting on Clark's life, "Dad's lifelong pride for OSU was ever present. We are honored to continue this legacy of pride as proud and immortal Cowboys!"

Photos by: Provided by Elizabeth and Charlie Nickles

Story by: Libby Ray | STATE Magazine