THOMASVILLE, Ga. – Thomas University has been recognized by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) as a 2025-26 Champions of Character Five-Star Bronze Institution, marking the Night Hawks' first Champions of Character Five-Star designation since the 2018-19 academic year.

The recognition reflects Thomas University's commitment to promoting the NAIA's five core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership throughout its athletics programs.

Each year, NAIA member institutions complete the Champions of Character Core Report to measure their commitment to character-driven athletics. Schools that earn a minimum of 60 out of 100 possible points receive a Champions of Character Five-Star Institution Award. Institutions are evaluated on character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition and character promotion.

Thomas was one of 203 NAIA institutions nationwide to earn a Five-Star designation for the 2025-26 academic year. NAIA member institutions received the award for demonstrating a commitment to character training, conduct in competition, academic achievement, character recognition and character promotion. Institutions also earned points for exceptional student-athlete grade-point averages and having minimal to no ejections during the academic year.

The award marks a return to the Champions of Character Five-Star list for the Night Hawks. Thomas previously earned Five-Star Silver Institution honors in 2015-16 and 2018-19, while achieving Five-Star Gold Institution recognition in 2016-17.

"One of my primary focuses as the new Athletic Director at Thomas University is building student-athletes' character on and off the field," said Athletic Director Jessica Sanders "Improving the character of our student-athletes not only boosts performance during competition, it also helps to better prepare our players for life after college, which should always be our main focus as coaches. I am proud of our student-athletes and our TU coaches for aligning with the NAIA's five core values, which distinguish us as a Champions of Character university."

The SSAC was one of 19 leagues to earn the Five-Star Conference Award. Conferences must have an established Champions of Character committee, a conduct in competition oversight committee and at least 60 percent of their member institutions receive the Five-Star Institution Award.
 
Gold
Blue Mountain Christian 
Dalton State 
Point 
UT Southern
 
Silver
Abraham Baldwin 
Loyola 
Mobile
William Carey 
 
Bronze
Brewton-Parker Christian 
Life 
Thomas 

The NAIA's Champions of Character program seeks to transform the culture of sport by emphasizing character development as an essential component of the student-athlete experience. Through education and intentional leadership, the program encourages student-athletes, coaches and administrators to model the values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership both on and off the field of play.

For more than two decades, Champions of Character has served as the NAIA's premier character education initiative, helping institutions create positive athletics environments while promoting academic achievement, personal growth and ethical decision-making.

The complete list of 2025-26 Champions of Character Five-Star Institution Award recipients is available here.