SPRING ARBOR, Mich. | NSBNsports.com | August 14, 2026 — Spring Arbor University earned Gold Level status with a perfect score as a 2025-26 NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Award winner.
Spring Arbor received 100 points on the Champions of Character scorecard, which evaluates institutions in character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition and character promotion.
The recognition marked the 16th consecutive year Spring Arbor has received the Five-Star Award. The Cougars were among 120 institutions to earn a perfect score during the 2025-26 academic year.
A total of 211 institutions received the Five-Star Award, including 135 at the Gold Level, 58 at the Silver Level and 18 at the Bronze Level.
The Crossroads League was also one of 19 conferences to receive the Champions of Character Five-Star Conference Award.
Conferences must maintain a Champions of Character committee, establish a conduct-in-competition oversight committee with at least three members and have at least 60% of their member institutions receive Five-Star recognition to qualify for the award.
This report includes information released by Spring Arbor University Athletics and the NAIA.
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