KANSAS CITY, Mo. – One of the highest honors an NAIA athletic department can receive is being named a Champions of Character Institution, and the University of Tennessee Southern has once again earned that distinction while continuing its tradition of excellence in character-driven athletics.
UT Southern was named a Gold-Level Champions of Character Institution for the fifth consecutive year as UT Southern and the ninth consecutive year overall, including its history as Martin Methodist College. In addition to earning Gold status, the Firehawks were once again recognized on the NAIA Champions of Character Top Score List after posting a perfect score of 100 points during the 2025-26 academic year.
The NAIA Champions of Character program evaluates institutions in five key areas: character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition, and character promotion. Additional points are awarded for outstanding student-athlete GPAs and maintaining minimal to no ejections throughout the academic year. Institutions are recognized in three award tiers: Gold (100-90 points), Silver (89-75 points), and Bronze (74-60 points).
By earning a perfect score, UT Southern demonstrated its continued commitment to the five core values of the NAIA Champions of Character program: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.
"Earning Gold-Level recognition and achieving a perfect score once again is a testament to the commitment our student-athletes, coaches, and staff make every day to represent UT Southern with integrity," said Vice Chancellor for Athletics Brandie Paul. "We believe success is measured by much more than wins and losses. The consistent recognition from the NAIA Champions of Character program reflects the culture we've built, one that emphasizes academic excellence, servant leadership, sportsmanship, and making a positive impact in our community. I couldn't be more proud of the way our Firehawks continue to embody these values."
CHAMPIONS OF CHARACTER AWARD CRITERIA
Institutions are measured on their demonstrated commitment to Champions of Character and earn points through accomplishments in character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition, and character promotion. Additional points are awarded based on exceptional student-athlete academic performance and positive conduct throughout competition.
HOW THEY DID IT
The Firehawks continued to make a significant impact both on campus and throughout the Giles County community during the 2025-26 academic year.
• Firehawk student-athletes volunteered with the Pulaski Special Olympics, helping create an inclusive and encouraging experience for participants.
• Student-athletes participated in local elementary school reading programs, promoting literacy and serving as positive role models for young students.
• Multiple teams assisted with food distribution efforts through local food bank initiatives, helping support families across the community.
• Firehawks volunteered during campus move-in activities, welcoming and assisting new students as they began their college experience.
• FLAMES, UT Southern's student-led character organization, continued hosting initiatives focused on service, leadership, accountability, and personal growth.
Through these efforts and many others, UT Southern student-athletes continued to exemplify what it means to be champions both in competition and in the community.
BY THE NUMBERS
100 – UT Southern earned a perfect Champions of Character score during the 2025-26 academic year.
5 – The Firehawks have earned Gold-Level Champions of Character status in all five years since the University of Tennessee Southern name was adopted.
9 – Including its final years as Martin Methodist College, UT Southern has now earned Gold-Level recognition for nine consecutive years.
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