College Affiliations
One of the benefits of debating in high school is being recruited by and possibly receiving debate scholarships for college. If you are interested in debating in college, here is a partial list of colleges and universities that have debate programs. This list is by no means exhaustive. For more information about recruiting and scholarships, please contact each school.
The University of North Texas Debate Team is a well-established and nationally successful program that is home to several Dallas Urban Debate Alumni (including Karla Lainez and Anthony Salazar). If you are a debater interested in applying to UNT, more information can be found here - and you can contact UNT debate's director (Brian Lain) at: blain@unt.edu.
UNT also hosts DUDA's annual summer debate workshop, where we offer a week-long, free training program for committed Dallas Urban Debaters.
UNT debate coaches and debaters are also very active in core DUDA programs like our tournaments and Debate Centers.
The University of Texas at Dallas Debate Team is a relatively young program that quickly achieved national success. Their debate team is host to several DUDA Alumni (including Rodolfo and Rolando Velasquez), and offers 3 competitive scholarships to incoming freshman with the possibility of a full ride and stipend.
UTD Debaters frequent DUDA tournaments, where they offer exceptional feedback to students after each round of competition.
The Southern Methodist University Debate Team is a young program that has welcomed several Dallas Urban Debate alumni (including current undergrad Joseph Reyes).
SMU's Director of Debate, Ben Voth, works tirelessly with DUDA to host a number of programs such as Debate Centers, unique tournaments such as the Bush Institute Economic Debates, and the annual Varsity City Championship tournament.
SMU undergraduates and law students frequently volunteer at Dallas Urban Debate tournamants, where they advance a rich culture of public discourse by offering feedback on a number of issues ranging from fiscal policy to transportation infrastructure development.
The University of Houston Debate Team offers competitive scholarships of various sizes to incoming high-school debaters. Dallas Urban Debaters are urged to apply by Director Sarah Spring, who has deep connections with Urban Debate organizations.
Former home of DUDA's current programming co-ordinator Derek Liles, UT San Antonio is a well-established program that has experienced an increasing amount of success over the past few years. Director Skip Eno has actively recruited from Urban Debate Leagues in the past, (such as Sophomore Darius X of Baltimore) and has personally expressed an interest in recruiting Urban debaters from Texas. Coach Chris Crowe has also worked at DUDA summer camps before traveling to teach at the presitgious Dartmouth Debate Institute.
More information of the team, coaches, and scholarships can be found here. If you are interested in applying, be sure to contact Derek and ask for a personal introduction!
Coach: Adam Symonds
Email: asymonds@asu.edu
College website: www.asu.edu
Additional info:
Coach: Max Archer
Email: maxarcher@augustana.edu
College website: www.augustana.edu/debate
Additional info:
Coach: Matt Gerber
Email: Matt_Gerber@baylor.edu
College website: www.baylordebate.com
Additional info:
Boston College* (Massachusetts)
Coach: John Katsulas
Email: katsulas@bc.edu
College website: www.bc.edu/fultondebate
Additional info:
A record of excellence in interscholastic debate competition is often a decisive factor in gaining a positive college admission decision. Because admission readers widely believe that debate teaches students valuable learning skills which are integral to achieving academic success in college, they will evaluate student files of debaters more favorable than others.
Empirical research clearly demonstrates that debate participation develops proficiencies in critical thinking, research, writing, organization, reading, listening, and oral communication.
Debate participation is also valuable in many intangible ways. Many of my former students maintain that debate was a transformative event in their life development. They credit debate for elevating their self-esteem and developing friendships which have enriched their professional and personal lives.
John Katsulas
Director, Fulton Debating Society of Boston College