The NAIA released its Champions of Character Five-Star Institution list on Wednesday and the Peru State athletic department was once again among those being recognized. 

The Champions of Character Scorecard measures each institution's commitment to the NAIA Champions of Character program. Points are earned in five key areas: character training, conduct in competition, character recognition, academic focus and character promotion.

This year, Peru State scored 77 points and was in the top third of all institutions by placing in a tie for 63rd in the scorecard listing. The 77 points puts Peru State as the fourth-highest institution in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) and third among the NAIA schools in the state of Nebraska.

Peru State athletic director Steve Schneider stated, "Over the past few years, our student-athletes, coaches, and the entire department have supported the Champions of Character program. There is a commitment to striving to achieve the status each year. Part of the direction of how we, as a department, achieve this recognition is through our Student-Athlete Advisory Council."