HPU’s Student Speaker Bureau speech and debate team recently competed at the DFW Swing tournament at Texas Christian University (TCU). Junior Rylie Burden, Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and jurisprudence major from Lubbock, won the International Public Debate Association (IPDA) open debate division and earned third place overall individual sweeps. Burden also won the tournament last year.
“I was so excited to win this tournament,” said Burden. “To come back and perform well again at the DFW Swing was an amazing experience.”
Dr. Julie Welker, professor of communication, chair of the Department of Communication and coach of the team, said that Burden is competing at a high level.
“Not only did Rylie win this tournament, but she is also competing on HPU’s moot court team and won a top speaker award at that tournament. She is competing on two separate teams and excelling at both, and we are so proud of the way she represents HPU,” Welker added.
HPU’s speech and debate team, Student Speaker Bureau, competes in IPDA debate, which focuses on developing authentic argumentation skills through persuasive, logic-based arguments. Championing a clear, professional, persuasive speaking style, IPDA debate is beneficial for academic and professional development.
IPDA debate is an excellent real-world debate format that encourages ethical and respectful argumentation rather than aggressive tactics, making it appealing to a wide range of participants, including professionals.
Burden added that she is thankful that the speech and debate team at HPU gives her the opportunity to compete in debate.
“Learning to engage in advocacy is a crucial skill that everyone should learn,” she said.
The team also competed in individual events.
Solomon Sabo, junior Guy D. New Honors Academy, public policy and Christian studies major from Melissa won fourth place in extemporaneous speaking and fifth place in after dinner speaking.
“Although Solomon is a first-year collegiate competitor, he’s competing in varsity events, and placing in two individual events at his first tournament is outstanding. He’s also a very strong debater, and is a huge asset to the team,” Welker said.
Freshman Chloe Jones, biomedical science major from San Antonio, won sixth place in persuasive speaking with her speech about the impact of AI on children’s development.
“Chloe wrote a great speech about the impact of AI on children’s brain development. It’s a very timely, and controversial subject. I’m excited to see her continue to compete with this speech as the year progresses,” said Welker.
Burden competed in impromptu speaking and extemporaneous speaking as well.
Also competing in the tournament was senior team captain Adrielle Sloan, Guy D. Newman, public policy and strategic communication major from Blue Ridge, who ended the tournament with a winning record and just two points shy of advancing to quarterfinals. Sophomore Katie Richards, strategic communication and theatre major from Brownfield, also competed in prose, dramatic interpretation, and programmed oral interpretation events.
Members of the team travel next to Oxford, England, to compete in the Oxford Inter-Varsity Debate tournament in November.
HPU’s Student Speaker Bureau relies on donations to fully fund their program. To support HPU’s Student Speaker Bureau with funds to help with travel expenses and other related needs, please visit www.hputx.edu/give and select “Other” below the “Designation” heading. A space will then be provided to type “Student Speaker Bureau,” and the donation form can then be completed accordingly.
High school students interested in pursuing their undergraduate education at HPU and competing on the team should contact Dr. Welker at [email protected]. All members of the team must audition and receive a scholarship based on their previous speech and debate accomplishments.
Applications for admission to HPU for the spring 2026 semester are being accepted. Those interested in applying can contact the Office of Admissions at 325-649-8020.
