KANSAS — Joshua Ferguson of McPherson College has been named the 2025-26 KCAC Male Student-Athlete Champion of Character, the conference office announced Friday. All KCAC Champions of Character Awards are presented by IMA Financial Group.
In the nomination materials submitted for Ferguson by his institution, it was immediately clear that he takes the core value of Servant Leadership seriously and tries to embody that in everything he does. While maintaining a busy schedule being a part of both the McPherson College football and track & field teams, he also serves as a sergeant in the Kansas Army National Guard and volunteers in the community and on campus (led all McPherson College student-athletes in total community service hours).
While carrying all those responsibilities, he also excels in the classroom. He has a 3.76 cumulative GPA, and is pursuing a degree in Business Finance with a minor in Data Science. He has earned four semesters on the McPherson College honor roll, and had a perfect 4.0 GPA in Spring 2026.
"To me, character isn’t just about what you say. It’s about consistently living out your values through your actions, especially when no one is watching," Ferguson stated. "I’m incredibly grateful to receive this recognition because it reflects the many people who have invested in me along the way: my family, coaches, teammates, professors, the Kansas Army National Guard, and the McPherson community. Their example, encouragement, and belief in me have continually challenged me to grow as a leader, teammate, and person. I’m proud to represent McPherson College, and I hope to carry those lessons forward by continuing to serve others and make a positive impact on the people and communities that have given so much to me."
Ferguson has participated in a variety of service projects in his time at McPherson College, including, but not limited to:
- Organizing a local food bank event.
- Organizing a community property cleanup event.
- Serves as a volunteer at the Cedars Retirement Home.
- Participates in "High Five Fridays" at Roosevelt Elementary.
- Volunteers at the McPherson area "Night to Shine" event.
"Joshua's character is evident in the way he approaches every commitment he makes," Jeremiah Fiscus, head coach of the McPherson football team, said of Ferguson. "As a starter and offseason captain for our football program, a member of our track and field team, and a Sergeant in the Kansas Army National Guard, he has earned the trust and respect of his teammates, coaches, and peers. Leadership is not a title to Joshua; it is a daily responsibility. He leads by example through his work ethic, accountability, and willingness to place the needs of others ahead of his own. We are proud of his achievements and willingness to give back to those around him and make a positive impact on whatever environment he is in."
"Josh represents everything we are looking for in our students at McPherson College," Josh Daume, Director of Athletics at McPherson College, commented. "Our mission here is to develop whole persons through scholarship, participation, and service. Josh is the type of student that embodies that in everything that he does. It’s very fulfilling to watch him succeed in all aspects of being a McPherson College student-athlete and he is very deserving of this recognition.
About IMA Financial Group
IMA Financial Group is the 10th largest independently owned retail insurance broker in the U.S., offering risk management and insurance services. Founded in 1974, IMA has nearly 650 employees in offices throughout the central U.S.
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