Debate and Forensics
Welcome to the Shepherd University Debate and Forensics Team’s homepage!
Shepherd University’s Debate and Forensics team has been competing in intercollegiate speech and debate tournaments across the U.S. for more than 30 years. Under the direction of our current Coach and Faculty Advisor, students on the team compete in events including:
- Prepared speeches — informative speaking, persuasive speaking, after-dinner speaking, and communication analysis/rhetorical criticism.
- Limited preparation speeches — extemporaneous speaking and impromptu speaking.
- Oral interpretation — prose interpretation, poetry interpretation, dramatic interpretation, declamation, and dramatic duo interpretation.
- Debate —Lincoln-Douglas debate and Parliamentary debate (both NPDA and IPDA).
Learn more about Debate and Forensic Events!
| NFA Events | CFA Events |
2025-26 Season
During the 2025-26 Academic Season, Shepherd’s Debate and Forensics Team will represent the University in tournaments across the region, as well as host a tournament here on campus. Our current schedule includes:
- Duquesne University (Pittsburgh, Pa.) — September 26-27, 2025
- Shepherd University (Shepherdstown, W.Va). — October 17-18, 2025
- Marshall University/Ohio University (Huntington, W.Va.) — November 14-16, 2025
- Wilkes University (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.) — February 6-7, 2026
- CFA Sun and Sand (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) — February 27-28, 2026
- National Forensics Association National Championship Tournament (Nashville, Tenn.) — April 16-20
Check back for updates as tournaments are scheduled!
JOIN THE TEAM
Shepherd’s Debate and Forensics team meets every Thursday during the academic year from 5-7:40 p.m. in White Hall 303. The team meets concurrent to the class PSCI 350: Debate and Forensics. Students are welcome to take the class for course credit or join the team without enrolling in the course. The Debate and Forensics team welcomes any undergraduate student, regardless of your major or experience. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, or this is your first time debating or speaking in public, all are welcome!
Interested students are encouraged to click below and contact Coach and Faculty Advisor, Kate Alexander, for more information or attend our Spring showcase. Spring Showcase — February 19 at the Marinoff Theater at 6 p.m.
SUPPORT THE TEAM
Financial assistance
Please consider supporting the Debate and Forensics team! Your support allows us to host our annual tournament on campus, serve even more students, and take part in even more competitions. To donate directly to the Debate and Forensics Team, you can do so through the Shepherd University Foundation, designating your gift to Debate and Forensics.
To give via mail, please mail a check payable to Shepherd University Foundation, to:
Debate and Forensics
301 N. King Street
White Hall 318
Shepherdstown, WV 25443
Please designate Debate and Forensics on the memo line.
Judging assistance
Shepherd hosts an annual tournament each Fall on campus, and we looking for individuals to volunteer as judges. If you are interested and want to be added to our list to support team by judging at future competitions, please email Coach Kate Alexander at kalexa07@shepherd.edu.
MEET THE TEAM
Coach and Faculty Advisor: Kate Alexander
Kate Alexander (‘06) is an Adjunct Professor of Political Science. She teaches Debate and Forensics (PSCI 350) and leads the Debate and Forensics team as its Coach and Faculty Advisor. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Mass Communication from Shepherd University in 2006. During her time as a student, she captained the university’s nationally-ranked Debate and Forensics team. Kate is excited to be back at Shepherd, teaching Debate and Forensics and leading the team. As part of her role, she also serves on the Board of the Collegiate Forensics Association. In her day-to-day, Kate is the Director of Communications & Marketing for the nonprofit Leadership Roundtable, where she serves on the senior leadership team and is responsible for all communications, media, and marketing efforts. She is an award-winning writer and communicator with demonstrated expertise in strategic communications, political advocacy, and media. Kate spent nearly 10 years as a political journalist in the greater Washington, D.C. region before becoming a lobbyist and communications director for lobbying organizations in Maryland, working for both private and nonprofit advocacy organizations on behalf of clients ranging from the Catholic Church to community developers. Kate holds an MS in Nutrition Education from American University where she focused her research on public policy and nutrition education around food allergies and reactivity.
Student Leadership
President and Captain: Phoenix Herman
Phoenix is a senior at Shepherd University majoring in political science with a concentration in legal studies, doubling minoring in history and global studies. Upon graduation, she plans to attend law school and has aspirations of becoming a criminal defense attorney. In her free time, Phoenix loves to read, play video games, watch anime, and listen to music. Her favorite genre is horror! In the background of all of this is her beloved cat, Tama, (who has better health insurance than Phoenix does). “I work hard so that one day I might have enough money to buy her a $700 cat tower.”
Vice President and Secretary: Raegan Kidd
Raegan is a junior majoring in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Law Enforcement and minoring in Political Science. Raegan has grown to love public speaking through debate and seeks to emanate that love to others. “I am so excited to see what this year has to offer for our team.”
Social Media Chair: Josh Molina
Josh is a sophomore majoring in Computer Science and Cybersecurity. “I’m very excited to see the debate team grow not only in terms of skill but also in passion. I think debate offers an environment that’s fun and thrilling like no other!”
Ella Esmay: SGA Representative and Events Chair
Ella is a junior with a double major in Political Science and History. “This year I’m looking forward to bolstering the debate team’s influence and image on campus as well as at tournaments.”
Team History
The Shepherd University Debate and Forensics Team has competed for more than 30 years in tournaments sanctioned by the Collegiate Forensics Association, National Forensics Association, National Parliamentary Debate Association, and Pi Kappa Delta. The team has a storied history of competitive success with competitors achieving honors in regional and national tournaments throughout the decades.