National Faculty
Champions of Character National Faculty members deliver a wide range of Character Training Courses at the NAIA National Convention and selected locations. Click here for information about Character Training Courses.
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Lori Thomas
Senior Vice President for Membership and Character Initiatives
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
(bio coming soon)
Kristin Knopik Gillette
Director of Champions of Character
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
(bio coming soon)
H. Skip Lord
Associate Vice President for Athletics and Conferences
Houghton College, Houghton, NY
Skip Lord was certified as a Champions of Character Instructor in 2004 and currently directs the Houghton College Athletics Department as well as the Houghton College Champions of Character Program Center. Skip's original Champions of Character presentation "Blowing the Whistle on Character Education" examines the role of officiating in sports and its impact on fan behavior, crowd control, sportsmanship and the future of sports. A Houghton graduate, Skip served as a coach and Assistant Athletics Director before being named Athletics Director in 1993 and Associate Vice President in 1998. Skip has served the NAIA in numerous capacities and has received both Athletic Director and Coach of the Year honors.
Bob Wilson
Director of Athletics
Vanguard University, Costa Mesa, CA
Bob Wilson is deeply committed to making a significant impact on students and athletes, using the platform of athletics to teach pursuing excellence in academics, athletics and character building. Certified as a Champions of Character instructor in 2004, Bob currently directs Vanquard University's 15-sport Athletic Department and Champions of Character Program Center. Bob's extensive collegiate athletic career includes 10 years as Athletics Director at Phillips University and 24 years of coaching. Bob was named an Academic All-American at the University of Wyoming and lead his team to the NCAA basketball tournament. Bob is a member of the NAIA Men's Basketball Hall of Fame and has been honored as NACDA West Coast Athletics Director of the Year.
Mike Riemersma
Director of Champions of Character and Sports Camps
Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids, MI
Mike Riemersma is a strong voice for Champions of Character within and outside of the Grand Rapids community. Certified as a Champions of Character Instructor in 2004, Mike currently directs the activites for Cornerstone University's Champions of Character Program Center. In addition, he serves the University as Director of Sports Camps, Assistant Women's Basketball Coach and faculty member. Before coming to Cornerstone, Mike was a faculty member, soccer and basketball coach at Grace Bible College, where he received several NCCAA Midwest Coach of Year honors. Mike also coached high school and youth soccer. As a member of the Grace Bible College Soccer Team, Mike was named NCCAA Division II-District 3 All-American.
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Eric Ward
Director of Athletics
Georgetown College, Georgetown, KY
Eric Ward was certified as a Champions of Character Instructor in 2005 and currently directs the 18-sport Georgetown College Athletics Program and Georgetown College's Champions of Character Program Center. In addition, Eric serves as the Co-Director of the Cincinnati Bengals Preseason Training Camp, held annually at Georgetown. Prior to his arrival at Georgetown, most recently Eric held positions with the Lexington Legends and the Kentucky Governor's Commission on Sports, Physical Activity and Wellness. Eric was the 2006 Mid-South Conference Athletics Director of the Year.
