When we play the right way, everyone rises. That’s why at the NAIA, we develop student-athletes who are prepared for life, not just the next game. The NAIA’s Champions of Character® program centers on preparing student-athletes for success in athletics and life by embedding five core values —integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership—into every aspect of the student-athlete experience. In 2024, the NAIA established the School of Character Award to recognize and celebrate institutions that consistently go above and beyond in embodying and teaching these five core values to student-athletes.
This year, we are proud to recognize Bushnell University (OR) as the recipient of the 2024-25 School of Character Award
Guided by the mission of fostering wisdom, faith, and service, Bushnell University is devoted to cultivating graduates who live with intention and lead with purpose. In the athletics department, this begins with their “tri-athlete” philosophy, which supports student-athletes in pursuing growth in competition, the classroom, and character.
This commitment kicks off each year with their annual Champions of Character® barbecue, an event focused on building community among student-athletes, deepening understanding of the NAIA’s five core values, and commencing the athletics department’s community engagement efforts. During the 2024-25 academic year, Bushnell student-athletes collectively contributed over 6,600 hours of service, averaging more than 20 hours per student-athlete.
In every respect, Bushnell University exemplifies what it means to be an NAIA School of Character. Their dedication to the Champions of Character® five core values is not just expressed in ideals, but in daily habits, team standards, and life practices that prepare students to become purposeful graduates.
The Champions of Character® program is about more than just competition—it’s about developing integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership both on and off the field. It aims to prepare our student-athletes for success not just in athletics but in life, fostering a culture that embeds strong character and these core values in everything we do.
It was necessary to create a School of Character Award to recognize institutions that exemplify the values of our Champions of Character program at every level of their athletics programs and throughout their institution. It’s a way to celebrate schools that have gone above and beyond in demonstrating a commitment to character both in their teams and their campus communities.
Carroll College (Mont.) has been awarded the inaugural NAIA National School of Character Award. Carroll College has shown an unwavering commitment to the values that make athletics such a powerful platform for personal growth and community impact.
“At Carroll, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom or playing field and that’s reflected in our mission to provide an integrative and value-centered education,” said Carroll President John Cech. “I’m immensely proud of our student-athletes who have embraced this ethos whole-heartedly” said Cech as he hoisted the accompanying trophy skyward, declaring that day to be “the best day of my life.”
“The hardwork and dedication of the student-athletes here at Carroll College are truly laying a foundation for the future of our state and our nation,” said Montana Governor, Greg Gianforte.
“There is no other athletic association that has these core values. They align so similar to what our mission is that is makes it easy to be who and what we are," said Charlie Gross, Carroll College Athletic Director.