Kansas City, Mo. — Blue Mountain Christian University has received the NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Gold Medal for the 2025-26 academic year, the organization announced this week. The university is one of 121 NAIA institutions to earn the honor, which recognizes outstanding commitment to character-driven athletics both on and off the field.
Blue Mountain Christian has achieved this recognition for 26 consecutive years, dating back to the program’s start in 2000. The NAIA introduced the Five-Star Institution Award in 2009 to honor schools that exemplify the five core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.
Institutions are evaluated based on their character training, conduct during competition, academic achievement, and overall promotion of character. Schools earn points for high student-athlete GPAs and for maintaining minimal or no ejections during the academic year, according to the NAIA.
“This recognition is a reflection of the culture our coaches and student-athletes work to build every day,” said Curt Fowler, athletic director at Blue Mountain Christian. “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.”
The award underscores the dedication of the university’s coaches, student-athletes, staff, and campus community to fostering an environment where athletic success is paired with strong character and leadership.
