CLINTON, Iowa, Dec. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Ashford University has been named a Champions of Character institution for the 2008-2009 school year by The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

According to NAIA, the Champions of Character mission is to raise a generation of students who understand and demonstrate integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and leadership. The program is dedicated to the principle that character is a choice and that being a champion is not just about winning, but about consistently making good decisions in daily life.

"The Champions of Character program supports performance-driven athletics while defining expectations and standards that drive successful teams and athletic departments," said NAIA Vice President of Champions of Character Rob Haworth. "I congratulate these fine institutions and thank the administrators, coaches and student athletes for playing a role in advancing character-driven intercollegiate athletics."

Ashford University Athletics include men's baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, soccer, and track and field. Women's sports programs include basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, softball, soccer, track and field, and volleyball.

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable online and on-campus programs. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, director of Public Relations, at 858/513-9240 x2513.

NAIA

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is the governing body for athletics programs at its nearly 300 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The long-held mission of the NAIA is to promote the education and development of well-rounded students and productive citizens through intercollegiate athletics. The association offers equitable access and opportunities for participation in its 23 national championship events held annually throughout the country.

Today, the NAIA strengthens its commitment to student-athletes and strives to enrich their college experience by supporting academic achievement and character development. NAIA Champions of Character is the association's innovative flagship program designed to instill character values in student-athletes, coaches and youth in the communities it serves.

SOURCE: Ashford University

Web site: http://www.ashford.edu/