Above: Carroll College President John Cech holds the first-ever NAIA National School of Character Award accompanied by Helena Mayor Wilmot Collins (pictured left), Saints mascot Halo (left), Carroll Athletic Director Charlie Gross (left), Montana Governor Greg Gianforte (pictured right), and NAIA representative Chesney Sallee (right).
HELENA, Mont. – Carroll College has been named the inaugural recipient of the NAIA's prestigious School of Character Award, an honor that celebrates the college's deep commitment to developing student-athletes into leaders both on and off the field. As the first and only school in the nation selected for this award in its debut year, the recognition distinguishes Carroll as an exemplary model of the NAIA's core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.
The motto "Model Excellence, Have No Equal" guides Carroll College Fighting Saints and shapes the pillars of success for Carroll Athletics. Rooted in the NAIA Champions of Character core values, these principles—passion, courage, integrity, respect, commitment, and service—are embraced by all student-athletes. Displayed throughout the athletics program and embedded in daily practices, these values encourage each athlete to strive for excellence in the classroom, community, and competition. The motto reflects Carroll's commitment to developing well-rounded leaders who exemplify character, integrity, and service both on and off the field, and who will carry the values they've learned into their lives beyond college.
"This award is a testament to our mission at Carroll College," said President John Cech. "It reflects our commitment to providing a Catholic liberal arts education that integrates faith, reason, and service, while preparing students for lives of purpose and impact. Our goal is to nurture a community of individuals who lead with integrity and a dedication to serving others, especially the most vulnerable.
"We are truly honored to receive this recognition, which speaks to the collective efforts of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff," Cech continued. "This award affirms our work in fostering a culture of character and service within our athletics program. Our teams are not only competing at the highest level but are also learning how to serve with purpose in every aspect of their lives, both in competition and within the community."
Among Carroll's many character-driven initiatives is the "Boys to Men" program, led by the football team, which teaches relationship skills and violence prevention. The women's basketball team has made a unique impact by coaching a Special Olympics team and running a work program that integrates a Special Olympics participant into their daily operations, offering both career development and inclusion. The women's soccer team, meanwhile, has partnered with local nonprofits to provide necessary hygiene supplies to individuals in need, while also ensuring campus restrooms are stocked with products.
The Carroll Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) has also made a significant impact by establishing the college's first-ever campus food pantry, aimed at addressing food insecurity among students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, SAAC has organized campus-wide service projects, including blood drives and holiday charity initiatives, and led the charge in creating a conference forum to support Association of Student-Athletes programs across the region.
"Our student-athletes continually rise to the challenge of what it means to be a Saint," said Athletic Director Charlie Gross. "From service projects to mentoring and community engagement, they exemplify the values of the NAIA Champions of Character program. This award is a reflection of their hard work, dedication, and the strong foundation of character-driven athletics that Carroll has built over the years."
Carroll College received the award during a special ceremony at the PE Center, where a delegation from the NAIA national offices in Kansas City presented the trophy and banner. The event drew several hundred attendees, including students, faculty, staff, and community members, as well as Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and Helena Mayor Wilmot Collins.
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