Jeff Bess, a socio-political major from Rogersville and member of the Spicer Debate Forum at Missouri State University, placed second in the Lincoln-Douglas (LD) division of the National Forensic Association’s (NFA) National Tournament.

“Jeff Bess has been a hard working debater, doing excellent quality research, for four years. He is also highly regarded by faculty in the socio-political communication major,” said Dr. Eric Morris, associate professor of communication and director of the Spicer Debate Forum. “It’s been a thrilling weekend culminating in an appearance in the final round of the National Forensic Association’s LD division of their National Tournament.”

Bess’ appearance in the NFA-LD National Tournament is a successful conclusion to the Spicer Debate Forum’s first year participating in NFA debate. The LD format is a one-on-one policy debate, based in evidence and centered on a specific year-long public policy proposition.

“We haven’t been competing in NFA before this season, and we’ve only attended two tournaments – a qualifier in January on the Webster University campus and the National Tournament in Michigan,” said Morris. “It’s a testament to the wide range of experiences of our debaters and the work ethic of our debaters that he has done so well despite being relatively new to the format.”

Bess qualified for the National Debate Tournament in 2012, 2013 and 2014, the Pittsburgh Round Robin in 2013 and competed in CEDA elimination rounds in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

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