MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Southern States Athletic Conference was named a 2025-26 NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Conference, while 11 SSAC member institutions earned Five-Star Institution Awards.
 
A total of 203 NAIA member institutions received the award for demonstrating a commitment to character training, conduct in competition, academic achievement, character recognition and character promotion. Institutions also earned points for exceptional student-athlete grade-point averages and having minimal to no ejections during the academic year.
 
The SSAC was one of 19 leagues to earn the Five-Star Conference Award. Conferences must have an established Champions of Character committee, a conduct in competition oversight committee and at least 60 percent of their member institutions receive the Five-Star Institution Award.
 
Gold
Blue Mountain Christian 
Dalton State 
Point 
UT Southern
 
Silver
Abraham Baldwin 
Loyola 
Mobile
William Carey 
 
Bronze
Brewton-Parker Christian 
Life 
Thomas