FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 29th, 2026

Portland, Ore. – Warner Pacific University has once again been recognized as one of the NAIA's premier institutions for character and sportsmanship, earning the 2025-26 NAIA Champions of Character® Five-Star Institution Award.

Warner Pacific is among 203 NAIA member institutions nationwide to receive the prestigious recognition, which honors schools that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to the NAIA Champions of Character initiative. The award recognizes institutions that excel in promoting integrity, respect, responsibility, servant leadership, and sportsmanship both on and off the field of competition.

Institutions are evaluated in five key areas: character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition, and character promotion. Schools earn points through initiatives that emphasize character development, exceptional student-athlete academic achievement, and maintaining exemplary sportsmanship with minimal to no ejections during athletic competition throughout the academic year.

The Five-Star Institution designation reflects Warner Pacific's continued commitment to developing student-athletes who excel not only in competition but also in the classroom and in their communities. The recognition aligns with the university's mission of fostering academic excellence, Christ-centered values, leadership, and service.

"This recognition is a reflection of the culture our coaches, student-athletes, and staff have worked hard to build," said Warner Pacific Director of Athletics Matt Gregg. "Through sock drives for the homeless, toy drives for sick kids, game nights at retirement homes, serving meals to those experiencing homelessness, running youth camps, and simply being involved in our Portland community, I am proud to say we are continuing to lean into service as an athletic department. At the end of the day, serving and loving others is what we are about at Warner Pacific."

The NAIA's Champions of Character program serves as the association's flagship initiative, promoting character-driven athletics through education, intentional programming, and accountability. The Five-Star Institution Award recognizes member schools that embrace these principles and create an environment where character development is a central part of the student-athlete experience.

The award was announced alongside the 2025-26 NAIA Five-Star Conference recognition, which honors conferences that demonstrate a comprehensive commitment to the Champions of Character initiative. To earn the distinction, conferences must establish a Champions of Character Committee, maintain a conduct in competition oversight committee with at least three members, and have at least 60 percent of member institutions receive the NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Institution Award.

Warner Pacific's recognition continues the university's tradition of emphasizing excellence in academics, athletics, and character while preparing student-athletes to make a positive impact in their professions, communities, and beyond.