HU Continues Tradition of Excellence with NAIA Five-Star Honor

Huntington University has once again been recognized for its commitment to developing student-athletes who excel both on and off the field, earning the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Champions of Character Five-Star Bronze Award for the 2025-26 academic year.

The honor marks the 14th time since 2010 that the Foresters have been named an NAIA Five Star institution.

Huntington was one of 203 NAIA institutions to receive the recognition this year. The award is based on each institution’s commitment to the NAIA Champions of Character initiative, which evaluates schools in five key areas: character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition and character promotion. Schools earning at least 60 points on the Champions of Character Core Report receive Five-Star status.

“Our mission has always extended beyond wins and losses,” said HU Director of Athletics Lori Culler. “This recognition reflects the daily commitment of our coaches, student-athletes and staff to pursue excellence with integrity. We’re proud to be part of a campus culture that emphasizes character, academic achievement and serving others, and it’s rewarding to see those efforts recognized by the NAIA.”

The Five-Star designation also recognizes schools that demonstrate exceptional academic performance among student-athletes while maintaining outstanding sportsmanship throughout the year, including minimal or no ejections during competition.

The Crossroads League also earned distinction as a Champions of Character Five-Star Conference, with nine of its 10 member institutions receiving Five-Star recognition.

The NAIA Champions of Character initiative promotes the values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership, equipping student-athletes to succeed in competition, the classroom and their communities.