Baldwin ? For the fifth consecutive year, Baker University has been named an NAIA Champions of Character institution.

Launched by the NAIA in 2000, the Champions of Character program addresses character issues.

The program currently reaches thousands of students on nearly 300 college and university campuses. Baker has been a part of the program since its inception.

The program is an outreach initiative designed to create an environment in which NAIA student-athletes, coaches, officials and spectators are committed to competition through respect, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship.

“It has taken the work of the department to buy in to the program and try to truly change the culture of sport,” said Dan Harris, Baker athletic director. “I think we are making headway and I am proud of our coaches, student fans and athletes for their efforts. Faculty and staff are gaining awareness about the program and are getting involved as well.”

Karla Wiscombe, assistant professor of education, is director of Baker’s Champions of Character Council. Student officers are Emily Allred, president; Tara Gitchel, vice president; Britt Strick, secretary; and Marti Eidsen, treasurer.