Wake Debate

Today, we remember and celebrate legendary Wake Debate Coach Ross K. Smith who passed away on July 19, 2009. Everyone has a different Ross story and we try to make a point of sharing as many as we can with our summer workshop students. How many of you remember those legendary breakfasts he cooked on Sunday mornings like this to watch the final round of the British Open? That being said, please take a moment today to reach out to Dr. Louden and share your favorite stories about Wake Debate and Ross in particular. Dr. Louden is working diligently on the 3rd volume of the history of Wake Debate and the stories from you will make the book a fun read. Go Deacs!

Wake Forest Debate is so proud to have collaborated with the Academic Community Engagement (ACE) program to bring Wake Forest students to the Richland Facility in Ohio as a part of the National Prison Debate League. Students Devlin Brindle, Cailin Schaub, Eden Block, Brandon Katz, and Declan McKee traveled to the facility for an incredible in-person debate over whether or not to loosen restrictions on habeas corpus appeals. The trip was supported by an ACE grant.

In case you didn’t have a phone reminder already set… Register today for the RKS Debate Workshop at rksatwfu.org

Congratulations to Liz Elliott and Hana Shakarov for being first and second speakers at the 2026 ACC Debate Championship! They finished in 3rd place with a 3-1 record. Thank you to our hosts at SMU for a fantastic tournament. Go Deacs!

RKS 2026 Session Schedule 🎩

Policy Sessions ⚖️
•Sunday, June 28th - Saturday, July 25th

Public Forum Sessions🎙️
•Sunday, July 5th - Saturday, July 18th