Georgia Debate Union ranked number 1

As of this week, UGA is ranked first in all three college debate organizational rankings - the American Debate Association, the Cross-Examination Debate Association, and the National Debate tournament - ahead of Harvard, Wake Forest, Emory, Michigan, Northwestern, among hundreds of other institutions.

UGA's top six debaters [pictured] each earned awards at their most recent tournament at the University of Kentucky. Five members hail from the state of Georgia, four of whom are recipients of the Richard B. Russell Debate Scholarship; one is a Foundation Fellow. 

The Director of Debate at the United States Naval Academy, Danielle O'Gorman, who is also the President of the American Debate Association, offered the following on the Georgia Debate Union's successful start to the year: "I am so delighted by the success of the entire UGA squad--they have always focused on process over product, on long-term development over quick wins, and on teamwork over individual goals. Their debaters are hard-working, kind, and community-focused; it's a pleasure to debate against them and to judge them. They truly epitomize the values of the American Debate Association and I wish them continued success through the rest of the season." 

Congratulations to these extraordinary students who distinguish UGA among the nation's best. The successful beginning of the year puts them on track for their goal of winning a national championship. We wish them the best in their diligent preparations and tough competitions ahead. Strong faculty mentors and coaching in the department of communication studies has a established a continuity of excellence in our debate team and we continue to marvel at their accomplishments.

Image: UGA debaters with the trophies they received (from left to right - Swapnil Agrawal, Advait Ramanan, Nathan Rice, Alyssa Hoover, Johnnie Stupek, Tripp Haskins.