Submitted by: Anthony McMullen, amcmullen@uca.edu on 04/16/2024
CONWAY, Ark. – University of Central Arkansas Debate and Forensics competed at the International Public Debate Association (IPDA) National Championship over the weekend. Held at Mississippi State University from April 12-15, 2024, members were coached by Anthony McMullen, associate professor of business law and director of forensics. UCA’s team members participated in Team IPDA and individual IPDA rounds, with one team and one individual advancing to elimination rounds.
Most of the team were new to competitive debate, so all had a chance to showcase their newly developed skills. In the Team IPDA division, freshman political science major Evan Thomas and junior economics major Michael Isaac displayed exceptional teamwork and communication skills. Thomas and Isaac held a 4-1 record in the preliminary rounds, advancing to the elimination stage. Freshman Mary Lyle and senior Caroline Moore also competed in Team IPDA, and although they did not advance, the competition provided valuable experience. Moore is majoring in communication and public relations while Lyle is majoring in political science.
Moore made an impressive run in the novice division. Achieving a 4-4 record in the preliminary rounds, she advanced to the elimination stage. Moore’s performance demonstrates her quick learning and potential for future success.
Lyle earned the eighth place speaker award in the novice division. “It was an extremely wonderful surprise to place in speaker awards,” said Lyle. “I can’t wait for the next tournament.”
This was also the first tournament for junior marketing major Rebecca Pool, who showed courage by trying something new and “loved the opportunity to try individual debate for the first time.”
Isaac believes that the team has shown persistence in becoming comfortable with the IPDA format. “As the president of the debate team, I would like to express my extreme gratitude to all members of the team and their hard work and tenacity,” said Isaac. “I believe the success we have gained far outweighs any trophy.”
The IPDA is an extemporaneous form of debate that fosters critical thinking skills, research, and communication. Students select from a variety of topics, then have just 30 minutes to prepare before the round. Judges evaluate debaters based on information quality and delivery. This form of debate provides unique opportunities for professional growth.
“I did not get to compete, but it gives me the opportunity to see my teammates do great in their round,” said Lizbeth Roa, a junior mathematics major. “Being the oldest on the team, it brings me joy seeing them grow from where they were the beginning of the season till now. Debate brings us all together and we enjoy each other’s company.”
“The focus this year has been on rebuilding the team after the graduation of many former team members,” said McMullen. “This may have been a team with several new competitors, but they have always been willing to practice and learn. Throughout the year, they have represented UCA admirably, and I look forward to watching them continue to grow both academically and within debate.”
“This debate team is a great group to be a part of,” said Moore. “Everyone is super supportive, and we can’t wait to welcome new members in the fall.”
UCA Debate and Forensics would like to thank IPDA and Mississippi State University for hosting such a successful championship, as well as a special thank-you to Cheryl Chambers, Doug Bedsaul, Brett Harvey and the MSU team for making this possible.
With the conclusion of the spring competitive season, the team is already looking forward to attending more tournaments this fall. The team welcomes new members at any experience level, fostering a supportive environment for students to develop their critical thinking, communication and research skills. Students interested in joining the team can contact McMullen for more information at amcmullen@uca.edu.