Taylor Among NAIA Champions of Character

10.26.2009

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced that Taylor University was named a Champions of Character institution for the 2008-09 school year. Taylor shares the NAIA's commitment to high standards and to the principle that participation in athletics serves as an integral part of the total education process.

The mission of Champions of Character is to restore character values and raise a generation of students who understand and demonstrate in everyday decisions integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership.

Taylor Athletic Director Dr. Angie Fincannon was pleased with the announcement. "To be chosen as a Champion of Character Institution reflects core values that Taylor's athletic department espouses: Integrity, respect, sportsmanship, responsibility and servant leadership. We strive to practice these characteristics that will be reflected in who we are as athletes and coaches on a daily basis in the community."

To be considered a Champions of Character institution, schools must complete a form which is later reviewed by a team directed by NAIA Vice President of Champions of Character Rob Haworth. These schools incorporate the five core values in the campus community and educate student-athletes, coaches, parents and fans on specific standards and expectations.

"The Champions of Character program supports performance-driven athletics while defining expectations and standards that drive successful teams and athletic departments," said Haworth. "I congratulate these fine institutions and thank the administrators, coaches and student-athletes for playing a role in advancing character-driven intercollegiate athletics."

During the 2008-09 academic year, Taylor produced 36 NAIA Scholar-Athletes, 45 Mid-Central College Conference All-Academic recipients, and six Mid-States Football Association All-Academic selections.