Nicole Mullins has been an exercise physiologist in the making, since she was born. As an infant, she so greatly hated sitting in a crib, that she learned to wheel the crib – from inside it – across the room and out of room, to be amidst the action of those who were up and about. Mullins is a lifetime competitive athlete and staunch physical activity advocate, with a mission of educating as many people as possible on the essentiality of regular physical activity and sound nutrition for making the most out of life.
Mullins earned her PhD and MA in exercise physiology from Kent State University, and her BS in exercise science from the University of New Hampshire (UNH). At UNH, she competed in gymnastics, where she earned several Scholar-Athlete of the Year awards and where she now holds a spot in the UNH Athletics Hall of Fame.
Mullins is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), as a Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP), and by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). She has diverse exercise-related research interests, including those on:
* psychology of sport, exercise, and health-related behavior,
* gender socialization and physical activity,
* physical activity for older adults and ageist barriers,
* sport-specific training,
* classroom physical activity,
* physical activity for mental health and substance use disorders.
Mullins was previously a professor of exercise science, in the Department of Exercise Science, at Youngstown State University (YSU), where she earned several distinctions for her teaching and service to students, including the Distinguished Professorship for Excellence in Teaching, the Honors College Professor of the Year, and the Student Service Award.
Mullins has been a lifetime admirer of the YMCA and its mission, and is thrilled to officially be taking a role in facilitating “programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.”