The program’s historic and ongoing commitment to student growth and advancement can be seen in the post-graduate careers of former debaters. The program has guided debaters into academic, intellectual, and professional careers as Fulbright Scholars, attorneys, journalists, fashion designers, chemists, collegiate administrators, Directors of national intercollegiate debate programs, educators—at the K-12 level and on numerous college campuses—social workers, and as social/community organizers. Graduates from the program are currently pursuing or have already obtained advanced and/or terminal degrees in medicine, social work, law, education, urban and public affairs, communication, Pan-African studies, and women’s and gender studies.

Additionally, the program has had significant influence beyond the borders of our campus at both the national high school and collegiate level with the innovation of an alternative method of engagement that has increased inclusion and equity within debate. Known around the activity as “The Louisville Project,” our innovations in debate have led to an increase in diversity, as well as, a number of first-time achievements for minorities within debate. One such example includes, Tiffany Dillard-Knox being the first African American woman to win the prestigious Rebecca Galentine Award given to the national female Director of the Year.