Top debate students from public and private colleges and high schools from across the country will be at the University of Arkansas at Monticello April 15-17 for the International Public Debate Association’s National Championship Tournament.

   The competition will begin April 15 at 3 p.m. and conclude with the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals beginning April 17 at 8 a.m. The competition will be staged at various locations around campus, including the Memorial Classroom Building, the Babin Business Center, Sorrells Hall and Wells Hall.

   Scott Kuttenkuler, director of forensics at UAM and executive secretary of the IPDA, is expecting approximately 175 students and coaches for the three-day event.

   “We are honored and excited to have the opportunity to host this year’s championships,” Kuttenkuler said. “The competitors represent the very best debate students from across the United States.”

   The tournament consists of eight rounds of debate in three divisions.

   All debates are open to the public. “I would encourage anyone who is interested to attend at least one debate,” Kuttenkuler said. “These are exceptionally articulate young people.”

   In conjunction with the tournament, UAM will also host the IPDA national convention prior to the beginning of competitive rounds. Convention meetings and presentation of scholarly research papers will take place April 15 beginning at 9 a.m. in the gallery and conference rooms of the Fred J.
Taylor Library and Technology Center.