Debate team excels at competitions

The University of North Georgia's (UNG) debate team collected a series of accolades in the Pi Kappa Delta National Conference from March 10-12 at the University of Central Florida. Nathalia Ingles earned All-American status, Taylor Mullikin earned a superior rating in broadcast journalism, and the team won superior overall for small entry sweepstakes. This is the fourth time UNG has earned an All-American honor; the last time a Nighthawk brought home the award was 2015.     

"I was surprised because I know that there were students that had the potential to win it and I know that I put a lot of work into my involvement at UNG. I believe my involvement definitely helped shape the outcome, and I feel it's deserved," Ingles, the team's treasurer, said.

Ingles' participation on the team has even inspired her to change her major to communication with a concentration in public relations.

My role as adviser is to create opportunities, but it's a student-run program. So, I have to give all the credit and success to them.

Dr. Tom Preston

UNG professor of communication

The following day the team earned multiple awards at the Georgia Parliamentary Debate Association state championship tournament, including the state title in the sweepstakes competition. It marked the group's first overall state title since 2009. Individual awards from the event included:

• Chris Koutroulakis, first place novice speaker award and finalist (runner-up) in novice debate
• Mullikin, finalist (runner-up) in varsity debate

"My role as adviser is to create opportunities, but it's a student-run program. So, I have to give all the credit and success to them," Dr. Tom Preston, professor of communication, said. "They don't have to compete, but they do it so well. They've continued to thrive despite any challenges they may face, including the pandemic."

The latest success comes after UNG in 2021 earned the Civic and Community Engagement Award, the highest distinction from Emory University's Center for Community and Civic Engagement (CCE). The award was for UNG debate students undergoing training for judging, and then judging, at middle and high school tournaments. Over 100 students were involved in this service-learning program.

For more on the team and how to join the UNG Speech and Debate Club, visit the UNG Connect pages for the Dahlonega and Gainesville campuses.