KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Eastern Oregon University was named a NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star institution, as announced by the national office. The award covers the 2025-26 school year with the Mountaineers earning silver level status.

The Mounties were among 203 Champions of Character Five-Star Institution winners. The Champions of Character Scorecard measures a commitment to character training, academic focus, character promotion, conduct in competition, and character recognition on a scale of 0-100 points. Award levels are based on the number of points earned: gold (90-100 points), silver (75-89 points) and bronze (60-74 points). 

The Cascade Conference represented well, as it was one of 19 NAIA conferences to earn the Five-Star Conference Award.. 

Institutions are measured on a demonstrated commitment to Champions of Character and earn points in character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition and character promotion. Institutions earned 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.

2025-26 Five-Star Conference Award Criteria:

• Established Champions of Character Conference Committee

• Conference has a conduct in competition oversight committee composed of a minimum of three members

• At least 60% of members institutions must receive the NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Institution Award

The full list of Five-Star Award Winners can be found, HERE