The Forensics and Debate Team Program to Transition to the College of Humanities and Social Sciences

The Forensics and Debate team pictured with team Director Gina Jensen at the Pi Kappa Delta National Tournament banquet in April, 2024. 

The Webster Forensics and Debate Team, which recently won a national title, has moved from the School of Communications (SOC) to the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS). The move was made to better align the team’s functions with the programs offered in CHSS.

“This transition aligns with our College’s mission to foster critical thinking, inquiry, and debate, empowering students to positively impact the global community,” said CHSS Interim Dean Danielle MacCartney. “The Forensics and Debate program offers all students the opportunity to enhance their speaking, thinking, and reasoning abilities through participation in competitive speech and debate. Any student can join the program, and participation in the program qualifies students for membership in the national forensic honor society, Pi Kappa Delta.”

Along with the team’s reassignment, Team Director Gina Jensen and Assistant Director Tom Serfass will continue to coach the award-winning team.

The Webster Forensics and Debate Team has a long record of bringing home state and national titles. In April, the team closed out its 2023-24 season with several team and individual awards at the Pi Kappa Delta National Tournament, hosted in Glendale, Arizona. Among the 13 awards earned by Webster is a top 15 team finish, as well as five top five individual and group finishes. Sixty schools attended that four-day event. 

For more information about forensics and debate, contact Jensen at jensen@webster.edu.