Montreat College named NAIA gold-level 'Champions of Character'

Montreat College announced last week that it has been named a Gold-level Champions of Character Five-Star Institution for 2016-17 by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). While Montreat has been named a Champions of Character institution several times in recent years, this is the first time the college has achieved Gold-level status, ranking among the top 66 NAIA schools in the country.

"We are very proud of the character and academic focus of our athletic teams," said Montreat College athletic director Jose Larios. "Our coaches are dedicated to building Christian character and community among our athletes. And we're excited that our dedication has put us among the top schools in the country."

In determining Champions of Character schools, the NAIA measures institutions on their demonstrated commitment to fostering character. Schools earn points in character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition and character promotion. Institutions also earn 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.