The award is presented annually to institutions that advance character-driven athletics by promoting competitive athletics, academic excellence and character values.

A total of 221 colleges and universities and 23 conferences earned the Champions of Character Five Star Award. To receive the award members scored 60 or more points on the NAIA Champions of Character Scorecard and conferences named to the list had at least 60 percent of its member schools making the grade with 60 or more points.

Clarke was the highest-ranked member of the Midwest Collegiate Conference on the Five Star Award honor list with 80 points.

Institutions were measured based on a demonstrated commitment to Champions of Character and earned points in each of the following categories: character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition and character promotion. Institutions earned points based on exceptional student-athlete grade point averages and by obtaining zero ejections during competition throughout the course of the academic year.

The Scorecard process is based on the NAIA's flagship program Champion of Characters, which emphasizes the five core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership.