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Bushnell University Named NAIA’s 2025 School of Character Award Winner

Sep 16, 2025
Bushnell University Named NAIA’s 2025 School of Character Award Winner

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced Bushnell University (Ore.) as the recipient of the 2025 NAIA School of Character Award, honoring the institution’s outstanding dedication to student-athlete character development and community engagement.

“Bushnell’s commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes and engaged graduates truly sets them apart,” said Jim Carr, NAIA president & CEO. “The university truly exemplifies the NAIA’s core values, and we are proud to recognize Bushnell as this year’s winner.”

The School of Character Award recognizes one institution each year that demonstrates a deep, campus-wide commitment to the NAIA’s five core values: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.

At Bushnell, this commitment begins with its athletics department’s “tri-athlete” philosophy, which holistically supports student-athletes in their growth as competitors, scholars, and community leaders. That mission is reflected in programs and traditions throughout the year, including the annual Champions of Character® barbecue and service project, which serves as a kickoff to the academic year.

During the 2024–25 academic year, Bushnell student-athletes collectively contributed over 6,600 hours of community service, averaging more than 20 hours per student-athlete. Teams take part in a range of service initiatives, such as:

  • Project Hope – providing essential school supplies to local students in need.
  • Food for Lane County – organizing donations for the regional food bank.
  • Christmas Adopt-a-Family – supporting holiday gift efforts for local families.
  • Embrace the Community Day – a university-wide day of service launched by the athletics department.

“We are deeply honored to receive the NAIA’s School of Character Award,” said Dr. Joseph D. Womack, president of Bushnell University. “This recognition affirms our mission to pursue the wisdom of God, grounded in faith in Christ and lived out through service. Character is not just a value we teach. It's a way of life we strive to model through honest competition, integrity in both victory and defeat, and faithful stewardship of the gifts God has given us."

 Bushnell University was presented with the award at an on-campus ceremony in Eugene, Oregon, on September 16, 2025.

Learn more about the 2025 School of Character here.