The process started last semester, when fellow freshman Josh Hedrick approached the Communications Department for support. Having no luck, Hedrick, who debated this year with the team from William Jewell College near Kansas City, pushed on. I had the idea to go straight to the chancellor, Hedrick said. About 20 members have been recruited. Political science professors Gregory Casey and James Endersby have volunteered to advise the program.
Debate teaches skills such as communication, research and organization.
It teaches you how to be successful in life, Shepler said. Because competitions mandate participants to argue a side of an issue they may not agree with, it forces debaters to think with logic and keep an open mind, said Robin Cook, secretary for the club. The club hopes to begin competition next September, participating in regional tournaments in Missouri, Kansas and Illinois. We need more money, Cook said. The group hopes to appeal to local businesses and perhaps hold a high school debate tournament next year as a way to fund the club.