The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics promotes character-driven, small athletic programs at 260 colleges and universities, according to its website. Nine universities and four colleges in Texas are NAIA members. As with all NAIA programs, athletes at these Texas schools are expected to uphold the five Champions of Character core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership.

Jarvis Christian College

Colorful volleyball on corner of court
Colorful volleyball on corner of court

Based in Hawkins, Jarvis Christian College had an enrollment of 550 in 2014. The school has NAIA men’s baseball, basketball, cross country, golf and soccer teams. It also has women’s softball, volleyball, basketball, cross country, golf and soccer teams. Jarvis is a historically black school affiliated with the Disciples of Christ.

Paul Quinn College

Students playing on outdoor basketball court
Students playing on outdoor basketball court

Paul Quinn College in Dallas has 700 students and NAIA teams in men's basketball, men's outdoor track and field, women's basketball and women's outdoor track and field. The school bills itself as a small faith-based college preparing students to be servant leaders and to effect change in their communities. Students are expected to adhere to a business casual dress code.

Texas College

Soccer ball being kicked into goalie net
Soccer ball being kicked into goalie net

With 755 students, Texas College in Tyler participates in nine NAIA sports: men’s baseball, men's basketball, men's outdoor track and field, men's soccer, women’s softball, women’s volleyball, women's basketball, women's outdoor track and field and women's soccer. The college was founded in 1894 by the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and remains affiliated with that sect. The school offers 12 baccalaureate degrees.

Wiley College

Close-up of runners lined up on track
Close-up of runners lined up on track

Wiley College in Marshall has an enrollment of 1,351. It’s one of the first historically black colleges established west of the Mississippi River. The Wildcats have 10 NAIA sports: men’s baseball, men's basketball, men's cross country, men's outdoor track and field, men's soccer, women’s volleyball, women's basketball, women's cross country, women's outdoor track and field and women's soccer.