The University of Mobile (UM) has been named a “Champion of Character” by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
UM is one of 118 institutions, and the only Alabama university, to receive the honor during the first year of NAIA’s initiative to emphasize the character-building aspects of sports to student athletes and youth-level participants. In order to be recognized, an institution must take action steps in all five core character value areas and have self-reported its accomplished goals. The five core character values are: respect, integrity, responsibility, servant leadership and sportsmanship.
“The UM athletic department instituted a Character and Faith Development Program because our goal is to develop character and faith among our student athletes as well as be nationally competitive in athletics,” said UM athletic director Craig Bogar. “We are honored that the NAIA has chosen UM for this prestigious designation.”
Approximately 250 student athletes participate in 13 sports at UM. About 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled at UM in the college of arts and sciences and schools of business, education, leadership development, nursing and religion. The university is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.
“The first year of the Champions of Character Initiative has brought an increased awareness of character issues in sport on our member campuses,” said NAIA director of development Rob Miller.
“Though the perfect environment may never happen, we believe the NAIA as a whole and especially these institutions have taken a stand to create that positive environment where competition and character go hand in hand.”
(UM)
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