Howard Payne University’s Student Speaker Bureau speech and debate team earned awards at three tournaments this semester. The team attended the Mendoza Debates in Baytown, the online Bowling Green University Cyber-Falcon and the Texas Intercollegiate Forensics Association fall championship in Tyler.

 At the Mendoza Debates in September, team captain Landon Chenault, senior Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and jurisprudence major from Denton, advanced to quarterfinals in the varsity division. Katelyn Sims, sophomore Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and global studies major from Cleburne, won third place junior varsity speaker and was an octofinalist. Team members Cora Raub, sophomore Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and nursing major from Celina, and Adrielle Sloan, sophomore Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and strategic communication major from Blue Ridge, also competed at the tournament.

 The team is coached by Dr. Julie Welker, professor of communication and chair of the Department of Communication. She shared about the team’s experience.

 “This was a very large opening tournament,” she said. “There were 18 universities from six different states, so we got to compete against schools we don’t always see at our regular tournaments. Landon’s experience and leadership really showed with his advancement to quarterfinals in a tough tournament, and Katelyn’s JV speaker award is a testament to her excellent work ethic.”

 In October, the HPU team of four competed at the Bowling Green State University Cyber-Falcon, a large, competitive online tournament. Chenault won second place in varsity IPDA debate, winning against multiple Division I universities before advancing to the final round. Additionally, Sims won second place overall speaker and Sloan won third place overall speaker.

 “For Katelyn and Adrielle to win second and third place top speakers was phenomenal,” shared Dr. Welker. “Two sophomores competing against varsity debaters is impressive. HPU took two of the top three speaker awards – that’s something to be proud of.”

 Despite the HPU’s team’s small size, the students are advancing to out-rounds and competing at a high level.

 “Landon’s leadership and student coaching are outstanding,” added Dr. Welker. “He has really increased the depth of our debate philosophy and has taken his team captain position seriously. I’m thankful for his leadership on the team.”

 Chenault said he feels confident about the team’s success.

 “It was overwhelmingly encouraging to see my teammates grow into such great debaters and have such success that early in the season,” he shared.

In November, the team competed at the Texas Intercollegiate Forensics Association Fall Championship tournament. Chenault was top speaker in varsity IPDA debate and went undefeated in prelims. Chenault and Sloan both advanced to the quarterfinals round. HPU represented one-fourth of students advancing to quarterfinals. Raub and Sims both advanced to the octofinal round.

 “Having all four of our competitors advance to outrounds is exceptional,” said Dr. Welker. “We may be a small team, but we pack a big punch when we’re up against very large schools with large teams. I’m so proud of the team’s performance.”

 The team also recently competed in Oxford, England, at the world’s third-largest debate tournament. The HPU teams competed extremely well and placed higher than in past years, beating teams from Harvard, Cambridge and Colgate University, among others. Following the debates in Oxford, the group traveled to historic sites in Normandy, France, and concluded their travels with a trip to Paris, where they visited French Parliament and learned more about international governments and politics.

 To support HPU’s Student Speaker Bureau with funds to help with travel expenses and other related needs, please visit www.hputx.edu/give, click on the “Start my gift to HPU here” button and select “Other” below the “Designation” heading. A space will then be provided to type “Student Speaker Bureau,” and the donation form can then be completed accordingly.

 High school students interested in pursuing their undergraduate education at HPU and competing on the team should contact Dr. Welker at [email protected]. All members of the team must audition. Scholarships are based on previous speech and debate success.

 Applications for admission to HPU for the spring 2024 semester are being accepted. Those interested in applying can contact the Office of Admissions at 325-649-8020 or [email protected] or visit www.hputx.edu/apply.