The NAIA recently released its 2011 Champions of Character Scorecard, and named among the “Five Star Institutions” was Bluefield College for its exemplary character and service demonstrated by its student-athletes during their 2010-2011 seasons.
“I am proud of our student-athletes and the effort they have made this past year to be engaged with and in the surrounding community through their service,” said BC President David Olive. “While being recognized as a Champions of Character Five Star Institution is nice, our primary focus is on our student-athletes and helping inculcate a spirit of service that they carry with them for life.”
The NAIA — which boasts a proud reputation as an organization that simultaneously promotes competitive athletics, academic excellence, and character values — launched its Champions of Character program in 2000 in an effort to instill character values in sport and provide practical tools for student athletes, coaches and parents to use in modeling exemplary character traits.
The program emphasizes five core values — integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership — and student-athletes at respective member institutions are expected to exhibit these character values in competition and to model service and character on campus and in the community.
The Champions of Character Scorecard converts the NAIA’s vision and strategy into measurable goals and monitors progress toward advancing character-driven athletics. Schools are measured and earn points by demonstrating character in training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition, and character promotion. Members schools that score highest on the scorecard are deemed “Five Star Institutions.”
“Our Athletic Department is very intentional about character development and serving the campus and community both on and off the playing field,” said BC Athletics Director Peter Dryer. “Our student-athletes have done some great things this past year, and I am very proud of their efforts to earn a Five Star Champions of Character distinction for Bluefield College.”
Bluefield College and the other Five Star Institutions will be recognized during the NAIA’s 71st Annual National Convention in April 2011. In addition, they will be listed on the NAIA Champions of Character web site and will receive a special web banner and certificate noting the honor.
“It is rewarding to see NAIA colleges, universities and conferences taking a leadership role in our mission to advance character-driven athletics,” said Jim Carr, president of the NAIA. “With significant focus on using athletics as a vehicle to teach life lessons, there is no doubt we will have a positive impact on our 60,000 student-athletes. That distinction sets us apart, and I’m very proud of that.”