Glendale, Ariz.- As part of the 2026 NAIA National Awards Day, Arizona Christian University was presented with the prestigious gold banner after being announced as the 2025-26 NAIA School of Character by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.  In a special University Chapel, Arizona Christian was announced as the lone recipient of the School of Character out of nearly 250 schools in the NAIA.

Arizona Christian became the third all-time recipient of the highest honor granted by the NAIA to an entire member school.

Joining the Arizona Christian family of administration, faculty, staff, coaches, and students in the special chapel where a long list of dignitaries including the Vice Mayor of Glendale Ray Malnar, Arizona Christian President Len Munsil, Arizona Christian Board Members and Distinguished Guests, NAIA Vice President of Membership and Governance Chesney Sallee, NAIA Director of Student-Athlete Experience and Development Sara Eckinger, GSAC Commissioner Mike Daniels, and GSAC Assistant Commissioner Josh Fisher.

"When we began to grow our athletics program 15 years ago, many people questioned whether we could maintain our biblically committed Christian purpose," said President Munsil. "I believe this recognition today in many ways answers that question. This really is recognition for an entire University where everyone is bought in to building a biblically based culture where students have an opportunity to thrive as they grow into their identity as followers of Jesus Christ. I believe ACU does ministry and discipleship through athletics better than any university in America, at any level."

"What makes Arizona Christian University such a deserving recipient of this award is the way character development is woven into the university's mission and lived throughout the student-athlete experience," NAIA Vice President Sallee. "At the heart of ACU is a mission to develop students according to God's Word, by God's power, and for God's glory. That "To–By–For" mission provides the foundation for how ACU approaches education, athletics, faith, leadership, and service.  At ACU, character is not treated as something separate from athletics. Coaches intentionally mentor and disciple their student-athletes. Teams create opportunities for faith formation, leadership, and service. Student-athletes are encouraged to take ownership of their culture and lead others.

"We are incredibly grateful and humbled to receive this recognition from the NAIA," stated ACU Athletic Director Peter Dryer.  "This award reflects the intentional work of our coaches, student-athletes, staff and university community to build a culture where character and faith are central to the student-athlete experience. At ACU, we want to be known not only for what we accomplish, but for who we are and how we accomplish it. We believe the greatest measure of Firestorm Athletics is not simply what we win, but who our students become. This recognition is something worth celebrating, but it also raises the standard and strengthens our responsibility to continue developing students who live, lead and compete according to God's Word, by God's power and for God's glory."

The focus of the distinguished award are the five core values of the NAIA- integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.  Mirroring the NAIA core values, came the creation of the Arizona Christian mantra FIRE (Faith, Influence, Relationships, and Excellence).   Going one step deeper, ACU's commitment to character development with the To-By-For mission: to live, lead and compete according to God's Word, by God's power, and for God's glory is entwined into Arizona Christian's daily culture- from the administration down to faculty/staff and coaches and on to the students.

Chesney added, "Character is not left to chance… it is intentionally developed, consistently practiced, and celebrated."

Character equals the "Right Way to Play".

What an honor for Arizona Christian University- the 2025-26 NAIA School of Character!