KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced the 2025-26 NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Institutions on Wednesday. 203 member institutions were named as Champions of Character Five-Star Award winners for 2025-26.
 
Institutions are measured on a demonstrated commitment to Champions of Character and earn points in character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition and character promotion. Institutions earned points based on exceptional student-athlete grade point averages and by having minimal to no ejections during competition throughout the course of the academic year.
 
Tabor College finished as one of 120 member institutions earning a perfect score and a Gold Five-Star Institution distinction. This marks the fifth time in six years that Tabor has achieved this milestone.
 
"We are very proud of our student athletes and athletic staff who have been recognized for their strong character," said President David Janzen. "We love being part of the NAIA and KCAC who value the importance of character development."
 
"This is a tremendous honor for our entire Bluejay Athletic Department and the Tabor College community", remarked Director of Athletics Jeff Brewer. "It is a direct reflection of the incredible people that make up our programs and the high standards they uphold every day. I am blessed to serve alongside outstanding, faith-driven coaches and staff who lead with purpose, integrity and deeply committed to excellence. We are excited to celebrate this achievement recognizing our dedicated student-athletes and are thankful to be part of an athletic community and conference that strives to glorify Christ in all that we do. We appreciate everyone who contributes to the culture of excellence we continue to build together."
 
 
In addition to recognizing individual institutions, the NAIA also recognizes the work of member conferences through the Five-Star initiative. With 13 of 14 full member institutions earning recognition, the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) earned another distinction as a Five-Star Conference. For a conference to qualify for these honors, they must establish a Champions of Character Conference Committee, have a conduct in competition oversight committee composed of a minimum of three members, and at least 60% of full member institutions must receive the NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Institution Award.
 
Be sure to stay up to date with all information regarding Bluejay Athletics by following us on X at @gotaborbluejays, on Instagram and Facebook @taborbluejays, and on our official athletic website, taborbluejays.com.

Tabor College is a Christ-centered institution located in Hillsboro, Kansas. The Bluejays are members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and compete in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC).