Columbia, MO - Columbia College student-athlete Dylan Carlton has been named the American Midwest Conference Dr. LeRoy Walker Student-Athlete of Character award recipient for the 2025-26 athletic season. 

The Dr. LeRoy Walker Award Student-Athlete of Character was named in honor of the former NAIA and U.S. Olympic Committee president, recognizing outstanding student-athletes for their academics, athletics, leadership, and dedication to living the core values of Champions of Character. This award was created in association with the National Sports Foundation. 

Carlton double majored, earning a Bachelor of Science in both Project Management and Management. He received the Presidential Scholarship and completed his MBA coursework while finishing his undergraduate degrees.

The award honors outstanding student-athletes for their academic and athletic accomplishments, leadership skills, and dedication to living the core values of NAIA's Champions of Character. Eligible student-athletes must have at least junior academic standings and a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA, athletic achievements, and campus and community and leadership.

During the 2026 season, Carlton made 42 appearances for the Cougars where he finished the season with 49 hits and 39 RBI on a .322 batting average. Carlton added 10 doubles, five triples, and eight home runs. He earned multiple awards and honors in that of CSC Academic All-District, AMC First Team All-Conference, AMC Academic All-Conference, and NAIA Scholar-Athlete.

Head Coach Darren Munns added, "Dylan is an ideal model for the term student-athlete.  His positive qualities go far beyond his academic and athletic resumes, which speak for themselves. Dylan has been a positive asset to our baseball program since the day he stepped on campus. His greatest attributes are his work ethic and dependability.  He has never been late, or absent, for any team functions during our relationship. This includes practices, games, conditioning sessions, study halls, and community service initiatives."

Carlton is now eligible for the NAIA Dr. Leroy Walker Award Student-Athlete of Character, which will be announced during the NAIA National Awards Day on September 15.