Forensics and Debate Team Transitioning to CHSS

The Forensics and Debate Team 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 2023-2024 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 the four-day event. 

For more information about the Forensics and Debate Team, contact Jensen at jensen@webster.edu.