MARION, Ind. -- The NAIA national office released the list of Champion of Character institutions for the 2008-09 season.

Indiana Wesleyan University was one of the 231 colleges and universities that received the recognition. The NAIA and member institutions use the Champions of Character program to instill an understanding of character values in sport, and provide student-athletes, coaches and parents the training to help them know and do the right things, inside and outside the sports setting.

The five core values of the NAIA are: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership.

"Being recognized as a Champions of Character institution sets Indiana Wesleyan apart and shows their commitment to developing student-athletes that understand that their participation in intercollegiate athletes goes well beyond their participation on the court," said Indiana Wesleyan Champions of Character representative Aly Williams. "It allows them to positively impact members of the student body and the community."

To be considered a Champions of Character institution, schools must complete a form which is later reviewed by a team directed by NAIA Vice President of Champions of Character Rob Haworth. These schools incorporate the five core values in the campus community and educate student-athletes, coaches, parents and fans on specific standards and expectations.

"The Champions of Character program supports performance-driven athletics while defining expectations and standards that drive successful teams and athletic departments," said Haworth. "I congratulate these fine institutions and thank the administrators, coaches and student-athletes for playing a role in advancing character-driven intercollegiate athletics."