Mount Marty University Earns NAIA Champions of Character® Five-Star Gold Award

YANKTON, S.D. — Mount Marty University has once again demonstrated its dedication to integrity, sportsmanship, and academic excellence by being named a Champions of Character® Five-Star Gold Award winner for the 2024–25 academic year by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

Mount Marty was one of 210 member institutions honored nationally, earning the highest distinction — Gold Level — by achieving a perfect score of 100 points. The award recognizes institutions that exemplify the NAIA's core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership, both on and off the field.

To qualify for the prestigious Five-Star Award, institutions are evaluated on their character training programs, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition, and promotion of character-driven activities. Schools also earn points through exceptional student-athlete grade point averages and maintaining a positive standard of conduct, including minimal to no ejections during competition.

Mount Marty's recognition underscores its commitment to character-driven athletics through both individual development and institutional excellence. As a member of the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) — a conference that met the threshold for the Five-Star Conference Award — Mount Marty continues to contribute to a culture of sportsmanship and leadership throughout the region.