HOLLY SPRINGS, Miss. – Rust College Athletics has been officially recognized as a Gold NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Institution for the 2024–2025 academic year, earning a perfect score of 100 out of 100 points. Out of 250 schools, Rust College was one of the select few institutions to reach this achievement. This recognition marks a historic milestone, as the institution advanced from no tier status last year to the top Gold tier in just one evaluation cycle.

The NAIA Champions of Character program honors institutions that intentionally demonstrate the organization’s five core values: Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Sportsmanship, and Servant Leadership. Points are awarded based on character training, academic focus, character recognition, and community outreach. Schools can earn Bronze (60–69 points), Silver (70–84), or Gold (85–100).

Rust College not only entered the rankings for the first time but did so in dominant fashion, achieving a perfect score and securing the highest possible designation.

“This is more than just an award, it’s a reflection of the culture we are building at Rust College,” said Jeremy Patterson, Director of Athletics. “To go from no tier at all last year to Gold status with a perfect score speaks volumes about the intentional work being done by our coaches, student-athletes, and staff. We are proud to lead with character.”

The Champions of Character initiative, developed by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), aims to reshape the culture of college sports by integrating values-based learning into athletic programs. Grounded in research that shows how long-term athletic participation can impact moral and social reasoning, the program promotes five key values: Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Sportsmanship, and Servant Leadership.

The initiative equips student-athletes to apply these principles both in competition and in life. Coaches are trained to model and reinforce character through leadership, and parents are engaged as partners in the developmental process.

With this achievement, Rust College joins an elite group of institutions across the nation leading the way in student-athlete character development and community impact.

For more information on the NAIA Champions of Character program, visit www.naia.org/champions-of-character.

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