»¨½·Ö±²¥

USM Ties with Other Select Schools for the Top Score

(Leavenworth, Kan.)—The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics has once again named the »¨½·Ö±²¥ a Champions of Character Five-Star institution with gold status. The annual award recognizes NAIA member institutions that promote integrity both on and off the field.

Only 63 schools earned gold status this year, and »¨½·Ö±²¥ was one of four in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference earning the top recognition. USM stood out among this already narrowed pack, tying for the top score among five-star institutions.   

"We're very proud of this honor from the NAIA," USM VP of Athletics Rob Miller said. "Earning gold status affirms what we already know to be true at »¨½·Ö±²¥ – This is an institution where students come to compete to the best of their ability while building their future. Receiving this award year after year demonstrates the caliber of our student-athletes as well as the commitment of our coaches."

The program honors NAIA member institutions for representing the Champions of Character five core values: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. Universities were graded on demonstrated commitment to the program, which includes character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition, and character promotion. Schools also earned points for exceptional student-athlete GPAs and minimal to no game ejections during the academic year.

»¨½·Ö±²¥ has 21 varsity sports programs—football, volleyball, baseball, softball, eSports, swimming, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, cross country, track & field, wrestling, and cheer & dance. Go to for more information.

Visit  for more information on the NAIA program.

 
The »¨½·Ö±²¥ is a Catholic co-educational applied liberal arts university founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The University of »¨½·Ö±²¥ main campus is located at 4100 South 4th Street, Leavenworth, Kan. USM's Overland Park Campus at 4500 College Boulevard offers evening accelerated graduate and undergraduate degree-completion programs. The university also offers online programs. Visit  for more information.