Judge Philosophies
AJ Edwards (He/Him) - LSUS
n/a
Aaliyah Castro - LEE
n/a
Abbey Barnes (she/her's) - USM
not as dumb as I look
Abby Weiss - ACU
n/a
Abigail Downs - LAC
n/a
Adam Kinder - LEE
n/a
Adam Naiser - UAMONT
n/a
Alayna Weathers - WmCarey
Alex Gibson - BPCC
n/a
Alexandria Ritchie - ACU
n/a
Ali Richard - Jeff State
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Alicia Brown - MSU
n/a
Alyssa "Lynn" Foster - WmCarey
n/a
Amanda Campbell - UTK
n/a
Anastasia Ortiz - MTSU
Andrew Jones - LEE
n/a
Andrew Mote - WmCarey
Anna Ward - UAMONT
n/a
Anne Elizabeth Harrington - MSU
n/a
Anthony McMullen (he/him) - UCA
Experience
I competed in IPDA for the University of Arkansas (20002005) and have coached at the University of Central Arkansas since 2007. Most of my experience is in IPDA, and that shapes how I evaluate rounds. Im also a licensed attorney and spent seven years working for the Arkansas Court of Appeals, where my job was to evaluate arguments with real-world consequences. I consider myself a policymaker judge, which means I approach the round as if Im deciding whether the resolution should be adopted in the real world based on its practical merits.
General Philosophy
I strongly prefer to decide rounds on the merits of the resolution. However, if a debater shows that fairness or structure has been meaningfully compromised, I will evaluate theory or procedural argumentsbut the bar is high. Theory arguments must be clearly structured (interpretation, violation, standards, and voters) and well explained. I default to reasonability over competing interpretations and expect to see real, round-specific abuse rather than abstract or hypothetical violations. One conditional advocacy is fine by default, but multiple conditional worlds require strong justification. If theory restores fairness or protects the structure of the round, Ill vote on it. If it feels like a technical trap, I wont.
Impact Calculus and Rebuttals
Final speeches should focus on impact calculus. Dont just extend your argumentscompare them. Tell me why your impacts matter more. If you're arguing that your world is bigger, faster, more probable, or more ethical, make that analysis explicit.
No new arguments in rebuttals. You may extend previous claims and bring in additional evidence to support them, but entirely new arguments or impacts introduced for the first time in the final speech will not be considered.
Delivery and Organization
Speed hurts more than it helps. Think podcast at 1.5x speedthats about as fast as I can comfortably process. I wont vote on what I cant understand, and in forms of debate that discourse speed and spreading, I will penalize it even if I catch everything. Id much rather hear three strong, developed arguments than six rushed ones.
I do flow the round, but I care more about clarity, structure, and impact comparison than technical line-by-line coverage. Pointing out that your opponent dropped an argument is fine, but that by itself wont win the round on its own. You must explain why that dropped argument matters within the broader context of the debate.
Framework and Evaluation
Weighing mechanisms are not required. If you think one helps you frame the round, feel free to offer it. If not, I will default to a preponderance of the evidence standardwhichever side provides the more persuasive and well-supported world should win.
Cross-Ex and POIs
I listen to cross-examination and Points of Information and consider them part of the round. However, these tools are most effective when used to set up your next speech. If you get a key concession or back your opponent into a corner, make sure you follow up on it and tell me why it matters.
Topicality and Disclosure
I will vote on topicality when it is well explained and clearly tied to fairness or ground loss. I give the affirmative the benefit of the doubt when their interpretation aligns with framers intent. If the resolution is straightforward, no disclosure is required. If the resolution is metaphorical or unusually vague, disclosure is encouraged. While I wont penalize a team for failing to disclose, I willdisqualify a team for giving a false or misleading disclosure.
Kritiks
I am open to kritiks, but dont assume Im fluent in the literature. Please walk me through the link, impact, and alternative in clear, accessible language. Im more receptive to kritiks that challenge real-world assumptions or harms than to those that only critique debate as an institution. While I still prefer to vote on the merits of the resolution, I will evaluate a K if it is well-developed and contextualized within the round.
Evidence
I value quality over quantity. A well-explained statistic or quotation is more persuasive than a long string of uncontextualized data. Paraphrased evidence is fine as long as it is accurate and clearly connected to your claims.
Professionalism and Courtesy
Debate is a competitive activity, but it should also be respectful. You dont need to thank me profusely or perform gratitude, but I do expect debaters to treat each other with courtesy. Rudeness, sarcasm, or dismissiveness toward your opponent will hurt your speaker points and my impression of your argumentation.
Humor is welcome when appropriate. If the topic is lighthearted, a well-timed joke or clever phrasing can enhance your presentation. Just keep it respectful, and dont let humor become a substitute for substance.
Final Thought
Your job is to help me write a ballot. I appreciate smart choices, organized thinking, and meaningful clash. Help me understand your advocacy, show me why its preferable, and do so with clarity, strategy, and respect.
Aria Giacona - LTU
n/a
Ashley McClinton - WmCarey
Ashley Hale (she/her) - LTU
n/a
Audrey Thomson - SMU
Aurora King (she/her) - UCA
Birch Boyer - Alaska
n/a
Bob Alexander - BPCC
n/a
Brandon Knight - WmCarey
Compete with dignity.
Carson Kroenke - OKBU
n/a
Charlie McBride - LTU
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Chelsea Lawson - LSUS
n/a
Chip Myers - SMU
Christine Courteau - LEE
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Clayton Meyer - SMU
Codey King - UTK
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Colby Walker - LSUS
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Coley Matthews - ETBU
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Collin Staten - MSU
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Connor Pittman - SMU
Cora Lyon - Alaska
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Daewon Hwang - Alaska
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Dakota Seibert - Alaska
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Daniel Davis - Jeff State
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David Issacs - LSUS
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Dena O'Banion - BPCC
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Eli Stroud (they/them) - UCA
Elijah Biedinger - ACU
n/a
Elizabeth McDowell - LTU
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Emilie Vann - OKBU
n/a
Emma Chocholaty - OKBU
n/a
Emma Waite - SMU
Emmitt Antwine - LTU
n/a
Ervin Fuller - LEE
n/a
Ethan Harriel - MSU
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Ethan Bond - ETBU
n/a
Ethan Arbuckle - LSUS
n/a
Everett Cason - Alaska
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Giselle Reyes - WmCarey
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Gowri Tumkur - UTK
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Gracie Pipes - OKBU
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Grant Degner - ETBU
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Greta Hacker - UCA
Haley Mims-Crawford - UAMONT
n/a
Hannah Ross - LSUS
n/a
Hannah Morris - NWACC
n/a
Heather Harrison - MSU
n/a
Heaven Sheppard - Jeff State
n/a
Henry Mildon - Alaska
n/a
Isabelle Marshall - UTK
n/a
Izzie Aijo - SMU
Jacob Bryan - OKBU
n/a
Jade Stauffer - OKBU
n/a
Jaden Spaulding - UAMONT
n/a
Jake Peace - ACU
n/a
James Kaiser - MSU
n/a
Jared Thomason - OKBU
n/a
Jared Parsons - OKBU
n/a
Joe Ganakos - LEE
n/a
John Schultz - Alaska
n/a
Joseph Lawson - LSUS
n/a
Joshua Hendricks (they/them) - USM
Debate better.
Joshua Rogers - WmCarey
Joshua D Rogers Paradigm
Joshua Rogers
B.A. Classics, Ph.D. Linguistics
Director of Forensics & Latin Teacher - Presbyterian Christian High School (Hattiesburg, MS)
Forensics Head Coach - William Carey University
Experience:
Oratory and Communication experience in High School
Discourse and Communication theory in Undergrad and Graduate work
Teaching Speech and Debate since 2015
Basic Judging Paradigm:
I will judge the flow
I want substantive arguments and clash
Weigh your impacts at the end
Bad sportsmanship leads to reduction of points
Don't talk down to the judge
Public Forum: Give evidence, cite, analyze - don't just restate claims three ways. I encourage Neg, don't just rebut, build a world in which you can win.
Lincoln Douglas/Policy:
I attempt to be tabula rasa, but when no decision-rule calculus is provided, I default to understanding and applying morality arguments. I tend to see the debate in an offense/defense paradigm.
I default to competing interpretations on Topicality, and reasonability on all theory. If you define value and criteria, stay with your parameters.
I am fine with speed, but clarity is key.
I would like to be on your email chain (jdrogers @wmcarey.edu) so I can look at cards that your reference in cross-examination.
LD Note: I tend to view the value/value criterion debate as less important than substantive arguments. Impacting your arguments is incredibly important. Cheap shots / tricks are not the way to my ballot (because: reasonability). I also will not vote for an argument I don't understand based on your explanation. I will not read your case later to make up for a lack of clarity when you spread. If I can't flow it, it's like you never made that argument.
Policy: I like to hear clash on evidence. Evaluate evidence since you have it in front of you. But more important, outline and build a plan. Explain how and why it works.
Don't give me outrageous impacts, we all know the world COULD end. Show how the plan results in impact, not just slippery slope.
Neg feel free to build Kritic if you can, always enjoyable.
I would like to be on your email chain (jdrogers @wmcarey.edu) so I can look at cards that your reference in cross-examination.
Joshua Morgan - OKBU
n/a
KLAUS BERRY - USM
Kaamya Kumaraswamy - SMU
Kaeli Meno - Alaska
n/a
Kat Gainey - MSU
n/a
Kate Mead - ETBU
n/a
Katie McKenzie - LTU
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Keely Hardeman (she/her) - ACU
n/a
Keith Milstead - SMU
Kelvin Thomas - Jeff State
n/a
Kendrick Kruskie - LTU
n/a
Kevin Wilmoth - NWACC
n/a
Khalil Markham - MSU
n/a
Kiera Jimmerson - LAC
n/a
Kobe Johnson - UCA
n/a
Kylie Bennett - LAC
n/a
Lacey Gulley - LEE
n/a
Lauren Hand - WmCarey
Leah Sparkman - LEE
n/a
Leia Smith (She/Her) - LSUS
n/a
Lillia Poveda - UTK
n/a
Lillian Berry - LAC
n/a
Liz Rangel - Alaska
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Macy Dammen - LAC
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Maggie Eaves - ETBU
n/a
Mark Shi - ACU
n/a
Marouane Jarachi - MSU
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Marquita Chambers - BPCC
n/a
Mary Catherine Procell - LSUS
n/a
Matt Smart - LTU
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Matthew Gedeon (He/Him) - LSUS
n/a
Matthew Coleman (He/Him) - LSUS
n/a
Maxwell Moore - ACU
n/a
McKenzie McClain - UAMONT
n/a
Megan Smith* - LTU
n/a
Melisa Hernadez - LSUS
n/a
Michael Gray - A-State
This part pertains mostly to
Parli, BUT you should probably read it since it represents what I believe about debate in general. See below for IPDA.
Me: Debated for A-State from
2007-2011; mostly Parli, but some IPDA and Worlds. Assistant coach for A-State
from 2011-2013 and Director of Debate for A-State from 2016-present.
In General: I'll listen to anything,
but I do not evaluate blippy claims that lack warrants or logical impact
scenarios.
Speaker Points: These
exist to reward good speakers. What is a good speaker? For me, a good speaker
has little to do with who won the round. Speed doesn't make you a good speaker. Knowing
lots of stuff doesn't make you a good speaker. Winning an argument doesn't make you a good speaker. It's that other thing that makes you good. Do that. Make sense?
Case: By default, my stance is that the Aff has the
burden of proof & the burden of rejoinder. It is your job to fairly limit
the round and present a clear case that upholds the resolution. If you can
convince me otherwise, do it.
I'll gladly vote on an aff
K if it makes sense and wins. But listen... it is better when your opponent can
engage. So, make your aff K clear and accessible. Save the ninja stuff for neg.
T: I love a well-run
topicality argument. Or 2. Or 3. I am completely okay with collapsing to T. I
actually think teams should do it more often. It's a lost art.
Spec/Vagueness: Yes. But be reasonable with it. And don't take my use of the work "reasonable" as an indication that it's the only counter-standard you ned (aff).
K: Yes, please. Avoid
any blatant mis-readings and misapplications (please listen to this...
please). You will have a difficult time winning my ballot if you're
(intentionally or not) misrepresenting the nature of another
person's rhetoric or using well-established theory in a way that it was
not intended. If you need to make an argument that you cannot find written in a tome somewhere, make the argument from your own brain... don't try to shove a square author into a round round.
DA/CP/Condi: structure,
structure, structure.
My default stance is that all Neg arguments are conditional. If, however, the debate turns to theory, Aff can win condi-bad. I'll listen. I need clear articulation of theory arguments, not just blippy responses that require me to intervene to fill in the blanks.
Speed and Speed K: I
prefer upbeat debate and a good pace. If you've clocked yourself, I am totally comfortable
with a clear rate of speech around 275-325wmp. I've rarely seen a need for
anyone to argue that fast. In all honesty, parli is at its best when
highly-trained, charismatic debaters engage in argumentation at about
200-250wpm. Anything faster and you're probably repeating yourself, skipping
syllables, and missing good arguments for the sake saying more words. That
said, if you're one of those super-clear talkers (you know who you are), I
might be willing to tolerate your top speed for part of the debate. <--- maybe 1% to 5% of the field in parli can really do this well. Chances are, you are not in that 1% to 5%. In competition, go as fast as you need to go and can go without losing clarity... and go no faster. Please.
If I or your opponent
calls clear and you do not respond appropriately, you will receive the lowest
speaker points you've ever gotten. I promise. You may well win the round, but
you will have done so unethically and I cannot award high speaks to unethical
debaters who intentionally ignore a legit request for access. I really don't care how you feel about this. I will
vote on a speed K... IF it is run correctly, makes sense, and defended
appropriately. I will not vote on "they talk fast and it's not fair."
Rebuttals: By the time
we get to the rebuttals, I've heard enough line-by-line. I'd appreciate a
bit more here, but if your rebuttal sounds exactly like your previous speech
(pay attention, Neg), I'm already bored. Come on, this is your chance to really
secure those speaker points. Show me that you can tend to the line-by-line and
cover the flow and still give me a clear summarization of advocacy and impact
analysis at the bottom.
Time, Timers, &
Beeps: Thanks and roadmaps off time; quickly. I prefer you time one another. If
you are unable, I'll start my timer when you start debating. When my timer
beeps, you get maybe 10 words before I stop flowing. I've had more sentence
fragments at the bottom of a flow than I can count. Look... just time your
arguments. It's not difficult to just be done talking 1 second before the timer
goes... it's impressive and judges notice it. Be impressive.
At the end of the day, I
believe that debate is an educational game and that education does not have to
be at odds with gameplay. It's both, so do both. Make it interesting and
competitive, play fair, and you'll receive what you earn.
Anyway, unlike some other judges, I will offer you the respect of listening very closely to well-structured, well-thought-out articulations of abuse; I'll listen to vagueness presses; I'll listen to articulations of abuse at the level of definitions, as well as criteria/framing. If your opponent really has skewed ground in the round, then you have 6 minutes to really, really, really dig into the implications of that and convince me that it is a voting issue (HINT: USE THE CONSTITUTION).
Mitchell Sadler - OKBU
n/a
Morgan Martin - OKBU
n/a
Nathan Burns - Alaska
n/a
Nathan Marshall - ACU
n/a
Nathaniel Williams - MSU
n/a
Neel Patel - LTU
n/a
Nirmal Bhatt - MSU
n/a
Olivia Moore - UCA
Omar Villarreal - WmCarey
n/a
Pamela Johnson - LEE
n/a
Patrick McKenzie - MSU
n/a
Paul Cosby - Alaska
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Preston Kimmel - ETBU
n/a
Reese Dunn - ETBU
n/a
Regan Hardeman - ACU
n/a
Richard Clair - ETBU
n/a
Rigo Ruiz - LEE
n/a
Robert Hockema - Alaska
n/a
Ryan Roseman - LEE
n/a
Ryanne Nelson - OKBU
n/a
SMU-Ben Voth - SMU
Treat your opponents with affirming respect. Pursue the educational value of debate as an ethic. I have judged debates for over 30 years in various formats. I look forward to hearing your voice on this matter. I like good research and good delivery.
Sam Woolsey - Alaska
n/a
Samuel Peek - OKBU
n/a
Seung Ho Jeon - A-State
Shaunt Avakian - ADC
n/a
Sheila Ritchie (she/her) - ACU
n/a
Shelby Cumpton - LAC
n/a
Sian Fox - UCA
Skylar Dean - LTU
n/a
Steve Johnson - Alaska
n/a
Steve Garcia - LTU
n/a
Steven Barhorst - MTSU
Swasti Mishra - UTK
n/a
Sydney Collier - OKBU
n/a
TJ Reynolds - ACU
n/a
Tanner McGee - WmCarey
n/a
Taylor Enslin - SMU
Tevin Baker - ETBU
n/a
Timothy Farmer - NWACC
n/a
Toriance Fontenot - LAC
n/a
Trakevious Thompson - WmCarey
n/a
Tylan Johnson - ETBU
n/a
Vanessa Rangel - UAMONT
n/a
Vernetta Jones - WmCarey
Zavoun Watts - Jeff State
n/a
kathleen hill - OKBU
n/a
madison peel - OKBU
n/a