NAIA Launches “The Right Way to Play” Campaign
Campaign promotes why NAIA is college athletics the way it was meant to be
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (April 9, 2025) – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), the governing body for athletics at more than 250 colleges and universities, is proud to announce the launch of its new campaign: “The Right Way to Play.”
This grassroots campaign is designed to amplify the distinct value of the NAIA, solidifying the association as The Right Way to Play, weaving its story through the lens of NAIA membership.
“We are excited to be part of this campaign at Cleary University,” said Director of Athletics, Max Ballinger. “We truly believe the NAIA is The Right Way to Play.”
Balancing growth of the whole person with athletic achievement is just one aspect that the NAIA will promote with the campaign. Common-sense regulations, innovative tools for building successful athletics programs, and character-driven competition are other aspects that embody the NAIA model.
The campaign also engages NAIA’s membership to amplify the story of the NAIA as college athletics the way it was meant to be.
“It’s important to our institution to help tell the NAIA’s story,” said Ballinger. “Our story – and how it supports our mission and vision – is important to our students, alumni, friends, and fans, and it embodies why we are The Right Way to Play.”
About the NAIA
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., is a governing body of small athletics programs that are dedicated to character-driven intercollegiate athletics. NAIA members provide more than 83,000 student-athletes with opportunities to play college sports, earn $1.3 billion in financial aid from NAIA institutions, and compete in 29 national championships. naia.org | @NAIA
Additional quotes
“The world of college sports has undergone a seismic shift in the past decade, with changes that often stray from the values that once defined it,” said NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr. “The NAIA champions the authentic spirit of college athletics, allowing student-athletes to compete in sports they are passionate about, while also emphasizing academics, character development, and community involvement. Now more than ever, the NAIA is the right way to play.”
“This campaign is built to be shared and shaped by our members,” said Dr. Amy Novak, St. Ambrose University president and chair of the NAIA Council of Presidents. “In this unique time in collegiate athletics, every member school, every coach, every student-athlete has a story that proves NAIA is truly The Right Way to Play. We can’t wait to see those stories come to life.”
Media Contact:
Steve Wilson, Director of Athletics Communication, NAIA, 913-687-2663
David Victor, Sports Information Director, Cleary University, 517-338-3016