PLAINVIEW, Texas – Wayland Baptist University has been recognized as a
2025-26 NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Institution, earning
Gold Level distinction for just the second time in school history.
The NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Institution Award recognizes colleges and universities that demonstrate a strong commitment to fostering character-driven athletics while promoting academic excellence, sportsmanship and integrity throughout their athletic programs.
Wayland was one of only
four Sooner Athletic Conference institutions to earn Gold Level recognition and one of just
203 NAIA institutions nationwide to receive the distinction during the 2025-26 academic year.
Institutions are evaluated through the NAIA Champions of Character Report, which measures a school's commitment to character development and responsible athletic competition. Schools earning a minimum score of 60 out of 100 points receive Five-Star Institution recognition, with Gold Level honoring institutions that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to the Champions of Character initiative.
The Champions of Character program evaluates member institutions in five key areas: character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition and character promotion. Schools also earn points through exceptional student-athlete academic performance and by maintaining minimal or no ejections during athletic competition throughout the academic year.
The Sooner Athletic Conference also received the
2025-26 NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Conference Award, recognizing the league's commitment to character-driven athletics through established governance, sportsmanship oversight and institutional participation.
The NAIA's Champions of Character initiative promotes the five core values of
integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership, encouraging student-athletes, coaches and administrators to pursue excellence both in competition and in their communities.
