Augusta University
David Bulla
Augusta University will have it first-ever team in the Regents’ Cup on Thursday, April 17, at the Robert F. Hatcher Sr. Conference Center at Middle Georgia State University in Macon.
The team, coached by Communication Lecturer Danielle Hayes, will take part in the preliminary rounds on Thursday morning, followed by the formal welcome, which will occur at 1 p.m. That is when the finalists and semifinalists will be announced.
Competing for AU will be communication major Lilly Williamson and health services major Riya Ninan. Cyber-security and music major Kaleigh Brigola will serve as the alternate.
“I am excited to be on this team, and it is already a major accomplishment to be selected to participate in this competition,” said Williamson.
Hayes, a former public relations and television news professional, teaches public speaking classes and will be helped by Senior Lecturer of Communication Amber Routh.
“This is the first year Augusta University will be participating in the Regents’ Cup, and I am proud of how hard our team has been working to prepare for this competition,” Hayes said. “We began our weekly debate practices in January, and I know they will represent our institution well.”
Each of the 26 University System of Georgia member schools can send two debaters to the tournament, which uses the International Public Debate Association format.
“When students patriciate in debate, especially the IPDA-style, they are developing their skills in critical thinking, public speaking, and collaboration,” Hayes said. “These skills also help them to improve information retention, and foster civic engagement.”
In 2024, Ansley Warnock of the University of Georgia was the individual champion and Valdosta State won the team title. The Valdosta State team members were Gabrielle Lorentz and Reagin Jones.
