New Speech and Debate Team Set to Begin Spring, 2005!!

Beginning this spring, Bethany is planning on starting its first ever nationally competing Debate Team!! The team will be headed up by Communications program director James H. Stewart.

Professor Stewart has won many public speaking awards both nationally and internationally. In 1998, Stewart was selected to the U.S. Debate team to travel to represent the United States at the English Speaking Union and the British Consul in the United Kingdom and Portugal. Stewart has been invited to guest speak at Oxford, Cambridge and numerous other universities.

In addition, Stewart served as an assistant debate coach for Northwest College's nationally ranked debate team in Kirkland, Washington. He has judged in tournaments throughout the world, including a special invitation to be a judge for the United Kingdom's national tournament that hosted schools such as Oxford, Cambridge and Trinity College.

Debate is an excellent way to gain practical public speaking and critical thinking skills in a competitive, academic environment. Debate also serves as a positive addition to any future employment and post graduate applications.

Professor Stewart is currently on the lookout for select debate team recruits. If you are interested in trying out for the team or acquiring more detailed information about Bethany's new Communication Program, please contact him at extension 1504, or email at jhstewart@fc.bethany.edu.