Dr. Joseph Robbins, an assistant professor of political science at Shepherd University, has recently taken the position of faculty advisor for the university debate and forensics team.
“I was approached by students to take over the team after a temporary suspension of team activities. I am very interested and enthusiastic about this opportunity and look forward to the upcoming season,” said Robbins, when asked about his motivation for taking the position.
Dr. Robbins has history judging debate tournaments, including Lincoln-Douglas style debates and a competition that he judged at an unspecified high school in 2008, according to his curriculum vitae. Robbins is currently a member of the West Virginia Intercollegiate Forensic Association’s executive board.
“I am very excited about this opportunity and particularly enthusiastic about working with the promising group of students that we have this semester,” Robbins said in a press release from Shepherd University announcing his new position. “There are an array of events in which our students will participate, thus providing ample opportunities for students to find something that really appeals to them,” when asked what his thoughts on the team are now that he has worked with them, Robbins said, “I have been very pleased with the level of preparation and improvement exhibited thus far.”
Robbins has this to say when asked for a statement on what people who attend Shepherd should know about the debate team: “Participating in debate and forensics is a deeply rewarding academic and intellectual endeavor that benefits students in many ways,” he said. “The skills developed as a result, which include oral presentation skills, quick-thinking, research, analysis, etc. can benefit anyone regardless of career. These skills also can help students in their other courses. Competing in this field also appeals to various law and graduate schools. Participating in this organization offers students numerous opportunities to network and to build camaraderie with other students.”
Robbins concluded by saying that the organization is open to any Shepherd student, regardless of their Major or prior experience in the field. Interested students can contact Robbins through email at jrobbins@shepherd.edu.
Robbins said that his goals for the future of the debate team are to continue building the team and working toward sustained success.