Dalton State College's John Davis won the individual debate championship and a $3,000 scholarship in the University System of Georgia's (USG) second annual Regents Cup Debate Series on April 17. Davis, a senior majoring in history whose family encouraged debate at home as a way to make change happen, defeated a competitor from the University of Georgia to win the final round.
"We are incredibly proud of John Davis for his remarkable achievement as the individual debate champion at the Regents Cup Debate Series," John Fuchko, president of Dalton State said. "This award highlights John's exceptional talent and dedication and marks a significant milestone for Dalton State College in our debut at the debate series."
Matthew Hipps, associate professor of political science, and Seth Weitz, associate professor of history, served as coaches for Dalton State's first debate team, which includes Davis, Kaylyn Orellana and Shania Zamora. This is the first time Dalton State has participated in the series.
The debate series launched in 2024 with six participating institutions and highlights how USG students can communicate and articulate from different perspectives in a persuasive, respectful way. The students competed in three rounds of debate, followed by semi-final and final rounds, using the International Public Debate Association structure.
"It's more critical than ever that we as a university system cultivate an environment of civic engagement and civil discourse in which students learn to listen respectfully and think critically," USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. "The Board of Regents has committed to supporting that fundamental right to express ideas and opinions without fear of being shouted down. With this debate series, we're putting those words into action, and I congratulate our winners."
After his victory, Davis expressed his gratitude for the support he received from President Fuchko, Weitz, Hipps, his teammates, and his family and friends.
"It feels great, I'm extremely humbled by the opportunity and the support I received," he said. "I am very grateful for the opportunity to compete and to have performed so well."
Davis said the first person he called after winning was his grandfather, Melvin Duvall, who is 90 years old and a role model for Davis.
"I told him that I had won the state debate, and he replied that he was proud of me and that it was something truly great to hear," Davis said. "Hearing that truly was the most profound feeling to that entire experience, and it helped me understand what I had truly accomplished."
The students were presented with topics before each round and given 30 minutes to prepare initial arguments. This format encourages debaters to "think on their feet" and develop strong refutation skills. Debate topics included higher education as a matter of national security and restrictions on biosciences. The final round featured a debate over whether the U.S. government should recognize Somaliland as an independent country.
"I am really grateful to our dedicated faculty, Seth Weitz and Matthew Hipps, whose guidance and support were instrumental in John's success and the USG for their commitment to fostering critical thinking and effective civil discourse," Fuchko said.
The event's guest judges included USG Regent Deep Shah, USG Regent Haynes Studstill, state Rep. Carter Barrett and state Sen. Chuck Payne.