OSKALOOSA — William Penn University was once again honored as a Champion of Character as the NAIA announced its 2023-2024 list of Five-Star institutions.

WPU is one of 209 institutions that were recognized by the NAIA.  The Statesmen earned Silver status, one of 63 schools to claim that honor.

All 13 Heart of America Athletic Conference schools made the Five-Star list; the Heart was also named a Five-Star Conference.

Depending on the institution’s point tally, it was designated for one of three groups: Gold (90-100 points), Silver (75-89 points), or Bronze (60-74 points).  Points were collected in the following areas: Character Training, Character Recognition, Academic Focus, and Character Promotion.  All recipients will be recognized on the NAIA’s COC website as well as receive a special web banner for their own site.

William Penn’s athletic programs make a conscious effort to demonstrate the Champions of Character’s five core values of Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Servant Leadership, and Sportsmanship.

William Penn has excelled in the COC program, having received five Dr. LeRoy Walker Champions of Character Region VII or MCC awards (2005-2008, 2010), claiming Region VII/MCC/Heart Coach of Character honors in 2006, 2007, 2010, 2015, and 2024, and obtaining Champions of Character Team awards for women’s golf (2012, 2014) and women’s indoor track and field (2013).

For a complete list of all the COC Silver Five-Star institutions, click HERE