Union Earns Top Champions of Character Distinction from NAIA

BARBOURVILLE, Ky. - Union College earned one of the highest honors in the NAIA as it was named a Champions of Character Five-Star institution, the NAIA announced recently.

The Bulldogs tallied a perfect score of 100 points in earning Five-Star Gold status, the top award for NAIA schools. This marks the third year in a row Union has recorded a perfect score.

In all, only 28 institutions scored 100 points. A total of 157 institutions notched Champions of Character Five-Star recognition this year, with 67 of those being awarded gold status.

Institutions are measured on a demonstrated commitment to Champions of Character as well as given points in the categories of character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition, and character promotion. Colleges collect points based on exceptional student-athlete grade point averages and by having minimal to no ejections during competition over the course of the academic year.

In addition to the Bulldogs being recognized for Five-Star Gold status, the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) was named a Five-Star conference. To receive this distinction, the conference must have an established Champions of Character Conference Committee, a conduct in competition oversight committee composed of a minimum of three members, and at least 50 percent of member institutions must receive the NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Institution Award.

A total of 15 AAC schools received the Five-Star Award within the conference, with nine landing gold status, four collecting silver status and two registering Bronze recognition. Six of the nine AAC schools that tallied gold status also received perfect scores on the scorecard.

For the full list of award winners, click here.

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