SUNO Athletics Named NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Institution for 2023-24

NEW ORLEANS -- Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) Department of Athletics is proud to announce that it has been honored as one of the NAIA Champions of Character® Five-Star Award winners for the 2023-24 academic year. SUNO Athletics is one of the NAIA's Gold Five-Star member institutions recognized for their exceptional commitment to the core values of the NAIA Champions of Character program. Gold Five-Star recognition is the highest honor for Champions of Character.

The Champions of Character program measures institutions on character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition, and character promotion. SUNO Athletics excelled in these areas, earning points for exceptional student-athlete grade point averages and having no ejections in any sport during competition throughout the academic year. 

Knights Director of Athletics James A. Matthews, III expressed his pride in this significant achievement, stating, "I am so proud of our Knights being recognized as one of the NAIA Five-Star Institutions for the Champions of Character Award. This honor is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence both on and off the field. Our student-athletes and coaches have demonstrated outstanding character, academic focus, and sportsmanship, embodying the core values that define SUNO Athletics. This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our department in fostering an environment where integrity and respect are paramount."

This accolade underscores SUNO's dedication to athletic excellence and the holistic development of its student-athletes. By promoting integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership, SUNO Athletics continues to set a high standard for collegiate sports programs nationwide. 

The Knights' success is a collective effort involving the dedication of coaches, the support of faculty, and the enthusiasm of the student body. This recognition as a Champions of Character Five-Star Institution highlights the positive impact SUNO Athletics has on its athletes and the broader community. The Knights will build on this success and continue fostering an environment where character and excellence thrive together.

-SUNOKNIGHTLIFE-