Tyus Wilson is an elementary education major from Sterling, Kansas, graduating with high distinction from the College of Education and Human Sciences on Dec. 20. He shares about his experience as a Husker in this Q-&-A.
What does graduating from Nebraska mean to you?
Graduating from Nebraska means a lot to me. It has been a goal since I was young to go to a good university, earn a degree, and compete at the D1 level in Track & Field. The four and a half years at UNL went fast, but so many big life events happened in that short amount of time. I became a teacher, a husband, an All-American, a captain, a B1G Champion, a National Champion, and a Team USA athlete. I will forever be grateful to be a Cornhusker.
What were some transformational moment(s) during your time at Nebraska and how did they help shape who you are or what you will do going forward?
One of the most transformational moments I experienced in college was my freshman year. During the Spring semester, I went through a really hard time. I sustained an injury that sidelined me from a lot of my track season, my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer, and I felt very distant from a lot of people. At this time, my friends and teammates became like a second family. My coaches and other Nebraska staff showed me that they appreciated having me around and pushed me to be my best even on my worst days. Most impactfully, the FCA leaders, Robbie and Megan, and everyone else involved in FCA helped me to realize that life is more than just how high I can jump, how much money I make, or what the circumstances are around me. They helped me find my purpose in life being a follower of Jesus. It gave me hope, peace and joy that nothing else could give me.
Campus involvements:
Track & Field, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Reformed University Fellowship (RUF)
What are your plans after graduation?
After I graduate from UNL, I will be living in Omaha, Nebraska, as my wife finishes PT school at Creighton. I will be doing professional Track & Field and training for the LA 2028 Olympics while also substitute teaching part-time.
After graduation, I am most looking forward to _____________.
not going on Canvas for a long time.
Was there anything that pleasantly surprised you about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln or your experience here?
I was really surprised how close the community was in Lincoln. I came from a really small town in Kansas with a great community. When I came to Nebraska, I was afraid I wouldn't find an amazing community like I had back in Kansas, but I was very wrong. The friends I found in Lincoln are and will always be some of my closest friends.
Write a “thank you” message to someone who helped you throughout your time as a Husker.
Dusty Jonas,
Thank you for recruiting me to come to Nebraska for Track & Field. Although I thought I was going to come to Nebraska to be a star athlete, you were right when you told me there was much more than just track to look forward to when I come to Lincoln. I am forever grateful that you took a chance on me and were confident I could contribute to the team even when I was just a small town Kansas kid. You recruited me to jump high, but because of that I also found lifelong friends, met my wife, became a champion, and grew in my relationship with God. I have enjoyed all of our trips across the nation and the world, talking about life, sharing stories, and cracking jokes. I am so thankful for you and all you have done for me during my time as a Husker.
Tyus Wilson
College of Education and Human Sciences
Teaching, Learning & Teacher Education
