Freed-Hardeman University is proud supporter of the NAIA's
Champions of Character initiative. Started in 2000, the program instills five core values for athletic programs to maintain:
Integrity
Respect
Responsibility
Sportsmanship
Servant Leadership
Each year schools and conferences are given points for character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition, and character promotion. For the 2023-24 season, Freed-Hardeman scored a perfect 100 to earn a gold medal.
| Year |
Medal Earned |
| 2024-25 |
Gold |
| 2023-24 |
Gold |
| 2022-23 |
Silver |
| 2021-22 |
Gold |
| 2020-21 |
Gold |
| 2019-20 |
Gold |
| 2018-19 |
Gold |
| 2017-18 |
Silver |
Freed-Hardeman University's own assistant professor of communication Dr. Matt Barker has spent countless hours researching the program, penning his dissertation about the Champions of Character. He is the creator and host of the "Playing With a Purpose" podcast:
