KANSAS CITY, Mo. – One of the highest honors an NAIA athletic department can receive is being named a Champion of Character institution, and the University of Tennessee Southern has once again earned that distinction—this time with additional recognition.
UT Southern was named a Gold-Level Champion of Character Institution for the fourth consecutive year as UT Southern, and the eighth consecutive year overall when including its history as Martin Methodist College. In addition to receiving the Gold designation, UT Southern was also named to the NAIA Champion of Character Top Score List—recognizing institutions that go above and beyond in their commitment to the five core values: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.
The NAIA Champion of Character program evaluates institutions across five categories: character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition, and character promotion. Points are also awarded for high student-athlete GPAs and few or no ejections across all sports. Institutions are ranked into three award tiers: Gold (100–90 points), Silver (89–75 points), and Bronze (74–60 points).
UT Southern earned 90 points during the 2024-25 academic year, qualifying for Gold Status.
2024-25 Five-Star Conference Award Criteria
Institutions are measured on a demonstrated commitment to Champions of Character and earn points in character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition, and character promotion. Institutions earned points based on exceptional student-athlete grade point averages and by having minimal to no ejections during competition throughout the course of the academic year.
-
Established Champions of Character Conference Committee
-
Conference has a conduct in competition oversight committee composed of a minimum of three members
-
At least 60% of member institutions must receive the NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Institution Award
HOW THEY DID IT
-
Firehawk student-athletes volunteered with the Pulaski Special Olympics, helping create a supportive and inclusive environment for local participants.
-
They participated in elementary school reading programs, promoting literacy and positive mentorship in local classrooms.
-
Student-athletes helped pack and distribute food at the Giles County food bank, supporting families in need throughout the community.
-
UTS athletes assisted fellow students on move-in days, lending a hand to welcome new Firehawks to campus.
-
FLAMES, a student-led character organization on campus, led multiple initiatives encouraging service, leadership, and integrity across the UTS community.
Through these efforts and more, UT Southern continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to character-driven athletics.
BY THE NUMBERS
132 – UT Southern was one of 132 out of 241 NAIA institutions to qualify for gold status for the 2024-25 academic year.
4 – UT Southern, Blue Mountain Christian, Point, and Loyola were the four Southern States Athletic Conference members to earn gold status.
100 – UT Southern was one of 112 institutions to earn a perfect score for the 2024-25 academic year.
FOLLOW THE FIREHAWKS
Stay up to date with all the latest action from UTS Athletics! Follow the Firehawks on social media:
Twitter: @utsathletics
Instagram: @utsouthernathletics
Facebook: @UT Southern Firehawks
Don't miss a moment — Go Firehawks!
