Elissa Collopy
eac001@marietta.edu
The forensics team at Marietta College is undergoing change as a new interim director has been named.
The Forensics Team is a debate team focused on competitive speech.
“We compete in individual events including platform speaking (public speaking), interpretation, and limited preparation events, as well as parliamentary debate,” Elaine Eakle, a member of the forensics team said.
This year, Dr. Jamie Moshin, associate professor of communication studies, has agreed to serve as Interim Director.
“Because of some of the changes that are made – and because some things were in flux over the summer – there were some misunderstandings about the Forensics program,” Dr. Mark Miller, associate provost for academic administration, said.
Tomeka Robinson, former director of forensics and assistant professor of communication, left Marietta College after she accepted another teaching position at Hofstra University. Miller said the process for hiring a new director is the same for any position.
“When Dr. Robinson announced that she was leaving last year, we began discussions with members of the communication studies department about various options for covering her duties in the coming year,” Miller said. “Dr. Carusi has done a great job as department chair in working with my office to make sure that we have a seamless transition from last year to this year.”
Moshin has experience in public speaking, forensics, and debate, in addition to co-editing a book titled “Communicating Marginalized Masculinities: Identifying Politics in TV, Film, and New Media.”
“There is no doubt that the Forensics Program at Marietta College is in great hands,” Miller said.
Over time, programs naturally evolve, Miller said. However, the change in leadership will not stop MC from hosting the annual Wilcox Forensics Invitational Tournament.
“I know from my conversations with Dr. Moshin that we are still planning to carry on this great tradition,” Miller said. “I want to express my thanks not only to Dr. Moshin but also to all of the members of the communication studies department who assist with this endeavor.”
Many students feel they benefit from their participation on the forensics team.
“I plan on going to law school after I graduate, so being on the forensics team goes hand in hand with that,” Darnell DePriest Jr., a junior forensics team member, said. “Debate and poetry have also helped me in the classroom as an English major by making it so I look at things at different angles.”
Other members say they benefit from the people they meet and relationships they build.
“I am excited to see several new faces on the team this year and to have had so much interest from the freshman class,” Eakle said. “I hope that the team can continue to grow, both in membership and in competitiveness.”
DePriest also says he benefits from the people on the Forensics team.
“Overall, I’ve met many people along the way and it has enriched my college experience,” DePriest said.
The Forensics Team’s first competition will be held the weekend of Sept. 26.
