In every community, there is one person who everyone can point too that has true moral character; everyone knows the type.

They are respectful, responsible, full of integrity, and humble; they are selfless, always more concerned about others than themselves and they are good sports.

For a nearly a decade the NAIA has been seeking to honor student athletes who exemplify these characteristics through their Champions of Character program.

At each of it’s national tournaments the NAIA recognizes a few athletes whom they believe represent the values of respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship.

Every team is asked to nominate one athlete for the award and out of all the nominations a few are chosen to be specially honored with an award and scholarship.

This year one of Lee University’s own was chosen as one of these Champions of Character, the basketball team’s own Murray Jenkins.

A sophomore here at Lee, Jenkins was chosen by his team to be nominated, and if you ever have the opportunity to run into him on campus you will quickly understand why.

His friends claim that he’s always got a big smile on his face. They also describe him as the kind of guy who exudes cheerfulness and is friendly to anybody he meets.

“I just try and live my life to be pleasing to God, that’s the number one thing,” said Jenkins.

Along with the award came a scholarship to help Jenkins with his college education.

“It feels good I guess. I try to stay true to myself; it feels good to be rewarded for being myself,” said Jenkins of the award. “It was a good way to end a great season, icing on the cake.”

The Flames finished 33-2 this season, only after being eliminated in the elite eight of the NAIA national tournament.

Jenkins comes to Lee from Marietta, Georgia, where he played for Lassiter High School.

He is majoring in business administration, and he hopes to go on someday to get his MBA.

Although playing basketball keeps him pretty busy, he always tries to find time to hang out with friends whenever he can and enjoys working out and relaxing.

Jenkins is unsure what he wants to do after he finishes school at this point.

“I want to make a way for myself, make my family proud,” he said.

For more information about the Champions of Character program visit www.championsofcharacter.org.