KANSAS CITY, Mo.- The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics announced their annual Champions of Character® Core Report Wednesday afternoon. In the report, William Woods University was noted as a Gold Level Institution for the fifth time in six years. 

"I am very proud of our athletic department, our coaches, and our student-athletes for achieving the Gold Standard for the NAIA Champions of Character program." noted Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Brian Spielbauer. "We logged many hours of community service within and around Fulton, and we look to expand upon this effort and build meaningful partnerships in the years to come." 

The Champions of Character® Core Report measures each institution's commitment to the Champions of Character initiative. Institutions can earn up to 100 points across five key areas: character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition, and character promotion. Institutions that earn 60 or more points are recognized as NAIA Champions of Character® Five-Star Institutions for the academic year.  

The recognition reflects the commitment of Heart member institutions to promoting the NAIA's five core values—integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. 

Along with William Woods, the Heart of America Athletic Conference featured all 15 members on the Five-Star Institution list; 11 earned Gold Level distinction and four received Silver Level recognition.