Skip to Main Content Skip to Main Navigation Skip to Footer
UNG Logo
  • Info For...
    • Accepted Students
    • Current Students
    • Parents & Family
    • Faculty & Staff
    • Alumni
    • Business & Community
    • International Students
  • Quicklinks
    • Directories
    • myUNG
    • Academic Catalogs
    • Athletics
    • Banner
    • Bookstore
    • Calendars
    • Campuses & Maps
    • Continuing Education
    • D2L
    • Employment / HR
    • IT Service Desk
    • Libraries
    • UNG Foundation
  • Admissions
  • Corps of Cadets
  • Academics
  • Cost & Aid
  • Student Life
  • News & Events
  • Athletics
  • About Us

Find the most up-to-date information on the Presidential Search site.

Newsroom
  • All Articles
  • Media Relations Contact
  • Expert Guide
  • Points of Pride
  • Magazine
  • Social Media
    1. UNG
    2. News

    Preston honored with pair of state awards

    May 15, 2023
    UNG professor Dr. Tom Preston won two service awards for his work with UNG's Speech and Debate Club.

    Article By: Clark Leonard

    Dr. Tom Preston, professor of communication and longtime faculty adviser for the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Speech and Debate Club, has earned a pair of service awards from state organizations.

    The Georgia Forensics Coaches Association selected Preston for the Richard Bracknell Service Award for his extensive efforts at organizing UNG students to serve as judges for high school debate competitions.

    Preston also received an outstanding service award from the Georgia Intercollegiate Forensic Association (GIFA) for UNG hosting the GIFA competition for nine years in a row.

    "It is hard to overstate how much Dr. Preston has contributed to our institution and to the lives of the students who have participated in debate over the years. The debate team reached unprecedented heights under his supervision," Dr. Jeff Marker, director of UNG's School of Communication, Film & Theatre, said. "Dr. Preston is highly respected throughout the country within the debate community, particularly within Georgia, and I couldn't be happier that he is being recognized for his leadership and service."

    The professor, who has advised the UNG club for 17 years, said he sees the honors as more of a team recognition thanks to the strong work of his students. His team has excelled in national and state competitions through the years. He points to their UNG Blue and Gold Award for Outstanding Service to the Campus Community in 2022-23 for their 3,516 middle and high school student contacts through judging competitions. Preston also noted that the group has won a campus award each of his years advising the club.

    Preston's students have gained valuable experience in their partnership with the Atlanta Urban Debate League, Georgia Speech Scrimmages and numerous other events. While he appreciates their desire to serve, Preston personally thrives on setting his students up for their futures.

    "My favorite part is teaching the principles of communication and debate," Preston said. "We teach principles that are going to benefit them for a lifetime."

    Preston will continue to teach in the fall but is stepping down from his club advising duties. UNG is hiring Stephania Ortez, one of Preston's former students, as director of debate, forensics and interpretation starting in fall 2023.

    Contact the Author

    Chand publishes paper on Nepal

    Chand publishes paper on Nepal

    UNG assistant professor Dr. Bibek Chand published a discussion paper through the Institute of South Asian Studies.
    Smith authors book  on 'Friendly Politics'

    Smith authors book on 'Friendly Politics'

    UNG political science professor Dr. Glen Smith has published "Friendly Politics," a book aimed at helping people maintain strong relationships amid political divides.
    Morgan-Ellis is keynote speaker for conference

    Morgan-Ellis is keynote speaker for conference

    UNG music faculty member Dr. Esther Morgan-Ellis has been selected to give the keynote address at the International Conference on Music Education Technology.

    UNG Logo
    • Contact Us
    • Request Information
    • Quick Facts
    • Campus Maps & Directions
    • Student Consumer Information
    • Campus Safety
    • Emergency Information
    • Employment/HR
    • UNG Policies & Procedures
    • UNG Alumni Association
    • UNG Foundation
    • Ethics & Compliance Hotline
    • Human Trafficking Notice
    • Equal Empl. Opportunity

    © 2023 The University System of Georgia and the University of North Georgia.

    UNG follows the section 508 Standards and WCAG 2.0 for web accessibility. If you require this content in another format, please send an email to the ADA Coordinator.

    Use of military-themed imagery does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Department of Defense.

    • Accreditation
    • Accessibility
    • Privacy Policy
    Establishing Connection...
    AskNigel