AU debate club makes debut at 2025 Regents’ Cup

Augusta University’s newly formed Debate Club made a strong debut at the 2025 University System of Georgia Regents’ Cup, placing seventh out of 13 institutions and showcasing the power of preparation, teamwork and intellectual courage.

Led by faculty adviser Danielle Hayes and supported by faculty across the Department of Communication in the Katherine Reese Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, the team’s success is already leaving an impression and setting the tone for what’s to come.

The initiative to launch a debate team began during the fall 2024 semester when David Bulla, PhD, chair of the Department of Communication and chair of the Regents Advisory Committee for Communication, highlighted the Regents’ Cup as an opportunity for students to put their public speaking and critical thinking skills into action. Hayes, who teaches public speaking, took on the challenge of building the team from scratch.

“It was more of a soft launch. I invited students from my public speaking classes, and Amber Routh helped recruit as well,” said Hayes. “We had students from all over campus, including communication, cybersecurity, pre-law and health sciences, and by January, we had about 13 committed members training weekly.”

The tournament used the International Public Debate Association style, which emphasizes conversational rather than confrontational debate. The team began practicing by using topics from last year’s tournament to simulate real-time competition conditions. Sessions focused on research, storytelling, argument structure and cross-examination. Students were challenged to argue both sides of various issues, even ones they personally disagreed with, helping them develop empathy and stronger analytical skills.

Lilly Williamson, a communication major and honors student, said the experience improved her research and teamwork abilities.

“I learned to find strong sources under pressure, and to be clear and confident while debating,” Williamson said. “My favorite memory was the car ride to the competition, joking with my teammates and feeling that unity. We even came up with our motto: ‘I can debate that.’”

Kayleigh Brigola, a double major in cybersecurity and music, reflected on how debate helped her articulate thoughts quickly and clearly.

“You need to think fast but also express your points in a way people can follow,” she said.

For Riya Ninan, who studies health services on the pre-med track, the experience with the debate club offered a chance to grow personally.

“At first, I struggled with nerves and arguing viewpoints I didn’t agree with,” Ninan said. “But I pushed through and made great friends from other schools, too.”

The hard work paid off. The team held their own against more established programs, with Williamson nearly reaching the semifinals.

“This result shows our students can compete with the best in the University System of Georgia,” said Bulla. “It also gave them a chance to apply what they learned in the classroom.”

Hayes sees even more potential ahead.

“We may have started small, but the passion and commitment these students showed were huge,” she said. “This is just the beginning. Debate isn’t just for competitions; it builds skills that last a lifetime.”

Students interested in joining the team are encouraged to attend a session, observe and see where it might take them or contact Danielle Hayes.