Vision
The NAIA exists to advance character-driven intercollegiate athletics.

Mission
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.

General description
Founded in 1937, the NAIA is a leader in the development of student-athletes and continues to be a pioneer in implementing exceptional standards for academics, diversity and character. Those standards are evident not only on the campuses of member institutions, but in the competitive arena.

The NAIA approaches sport and activity as an opportunity to intentionally teach beyond the fundamentals through the philosophy of the NAIA Champions of Character program. By applying the five core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship the NAIA has the ability to maximize talent to the benefit of each individual.

The association provides exclusive opportunities for over 45,000 young men and women to achieve academically while competing for the love of the game. NAIA member institutions award millions of dollars through athletic aid to eligible student-athletes and create an environment where competitive athletics, academic excellence and Champions of Character walk hand in hand.