Northwest University Athletics

Northwest University Mission Statement
  Grounded in this mission, Northwest University's participation in Intercollegiate Athletics enables students, athletes, faculty, and alumni to discover, develop, and challenge their skills, creating positive change in our community and in the world. Through the pursuit of athletic excellence, we embrace the commitment necessary to achieve individual and team goals, bring out the best in others, develop leadership, and succeed on the field of play and in the classroom. Intercollegiate athletics at Northwest promotes character traits that enable spiritual growth, personal development, and success in later life.

In turn, Intercollegiate Athletics exemplifies and supports the mission of Northwest University by continually building:

1. A Learning Community
   1. Visibility and Branding ~ Athletics raises awareness of Northwest University at local, regional, and national levels.
   2. Identity and Engagement ~ Athletics provides a point of engagement and NU identity for participants and members of our community.
   3. Diversity ~ Athletics increases the diversity of backgrounds, abilities, and interests in the NU student body.
2. Spiritual Vitality
   1. Athletics at NU builds Christ-centered programs that model the Christian values of sportsmanship and servant-leadership.
   2. The Athletics Department commits the University to recognition as NAIA Champions of Character.
   3. Athletes at NU exemplify our spiritual values and commitment to Christ.
3. Academic Excellence
   1. The Athletics department demonstrates commitment to the ideal of the student-athlete.
   2. NU Athletics distinguishes itself by a high number of Conference and NAIA Academic All-Americans.
   3. The graduation rate for athletes will meet or exceed that of the traditional university undergraduates.
4. Empowered Engagement
   1. NU athletes minister as teams and as individuals in our communities and around the world.
   2. Sports Camps create positive relationships with young people throughout the Puget Sound Region.
   3. Athletes raise funds for organizations and ministries that strengthen individual and corporate faith and expand God's Kingdom

Accordingly, to exemplify, support, and align with each of these missional priorities, Northwest University Athletics has articulated the following Mission, Vision, and Values:

Mission, Vision, and Values for Northwest University Intercollegiate Athletics
 

Athletic Excellence ~ Because the Athletics Department supports NU's mission best when our teams consistently achieve winning seasons, we endeavor to establish, support, and sustain an athletic infrastructure that enables Northwest University to compete for conference and NAIA national championships in every sport in which we participate; Colossians 3:23: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

Teamwork ~ We collaborate and work hard in a cooperative spirit; I Corinthians 12:20-25: 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor.  And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.

Integrity ~ We hold truth in high regard, play according to the rules, and strive to act ethically and sincerely; Philippians 4:8: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Humility ~ Grateful for our opportunities, we regard our participation in athletics as a privilege and not as an entitlement; Philippians 2:3-4: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.  Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Servant Leadership ~ We strive to put the needs of others first and use our gifts to enable people to develop and perform to the highest possible degree; Mark 9:35: Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all."