Kansas City, Mo.- The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced this week that Blue Mountain Christian University has once again been recognized as a Champions of Character Five-Star Institution at the Gold Medal level for the 2025-26 academic year.
Blue Mountain Christian was one of 121 institutions across the NAIA to earn the prestigious Gold Medal designation, recognizing schools that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to character-driven athletics both on and off the field of play.
"This recognition is a reflection of the culture our coaches and student-athletes work to build every day," BMCU Athletic Director Curt Fowler said. "To once again be recognized as a Champions of Character Five-Star Gold Institution is an honor that speaks to the commitment of our entire athletic department. We strive to compete with excellence while representing Christ through integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. I am grateful for our coaches, staff, and student-athletes who continue to embrace those values and make them evident both in competition and in everyday life."
The honor also marks 26 consecutive years that BMCU has achieved the NAIA's highest Champions of Character recognition, dating back to the program's inception in 2000.
In 2009, the NAIA introduced the Five-Star Institution Award to recognize schools that intentionally model and promote the five core values of the Champions of Character program: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.
Institutions are evaluated on their demonstrated commitment to the Champions of Character initiative through character training, conduct in competition, academic achievement, character recognition, and character promotion. 
Schools also earn points for exceptional student-athlete grade point averages and maintaining minimal to no ejections throughout the academic year.
The continued recognition highlights the dedication of Blue Mountain Christian's coaches, student-athletes, administrators, and campus community to fostering an environment where athletic success is matched by a commitment to strong character and leadership.
 
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