HPU’s Student Speaker Bureau speech and debate team competed recently at the Texas Intercollegiate Forensics Association Fall Championship tournament, held at Texas Tech University in Lubbock.

Freshman Rylie Burden, a jurisprudence and Guy D. Newman Honors Academy major from Nederland, won second place in the International Public Debate Association (IPDA) open debate division and was named fourth place IPDA speaker at the tournament. Katelyn Sims, team captain and junior Guy D. Newman Honors Academy and global studies major from Cleburne, was a semifinalist.

In parliamentary debate, the team of Burden and Sims were quarterfinalists, earning fifth and tenth place speakers respectively.

“Rylie and Katelyn are setting the pace for the team, excelling at each tournament. Their hard work is evident in their ranks,” said Dr. Julie Welker, professor of communication and chair of the Department of Communication, and coach of the team.

HPU competed in team and individual events against 14 schools from across Texas and Louisiana.

Katie Richards, freshman strategic communication and theatre major from Brownfield, placed second in novice persuasive speaking.

Also competing in the tournament was senior Matthew Campos, criminal justice major from Snyder.

The team will travel to Cambridge, England, for the Cambridge Inter-Varsity Tournament in November.

“Competing in England is always such a challenging tournament, but our students do well against some of the best debate schools in the world,” said Welker. “The international experience is life-changing, and a core part of what we do on our team.”

To support HPU’s Student Speaker Bureau with funds to help with travel expenses and other related needs, please visit www.hputx.edu/give and select “Student Speaker Bureau” for the designation on the donation form.

High school students interested in pursuing their undergraduate education at HPU and competing on the team should contact Dr. Welker at jwelker@hputx.edu. All members of the team must audition and are eligible to receive a scholarship based on their previous speech and debate accomplishments.

Applications for admission to HPU for the fall 2025 semester are being accepted. Those interested in applying can contact the Office of Admissions at 325-649-8020 or enroll@hputx.edu or visit www.hputx.edu/apply.