College of the Ozarks was awarded the Gold Level NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Institution Award for 2023-2024.

College of the Ozarks was awarded the Gold Level NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Institution Award for 2023-2024. The College’s athletic program was recognized for its commitment to developing character-driven athletes and elevating the NAIA student-athlete experience.

Each year, NAIA level institutions follow the Champions of Character core report to calculate the pursuit of character-driven athletics. The institutions receive points based on character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition and character promotion. Institutions also receive points based on student athlete grade point average and having no ejections during competition throughout the academic year.

The College received points for excelling in the promotion of champions of character on campus and in the community. The program was also recognized for the champions of character training that coaches, student athletes, and staff completed, and servant leadership projects completed within the community. Student athletes excelled in integrity, respect, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.

“I am extremely proud of our student athletes and our entire athletic department for being named an NAIA Champion of Character Five Star Gold Institution,” Steve Shepherd, athletic director said. “Through their sport, our student athletes have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in character and academics both in and out of competition.”