51³Ô¹ÏÍø

Dr. Tom Preston, professor of communication and longtime faculty adviser for the University of North Georgia's (51³Ô¹ÏÍø) Speech and Debate Club, has earned a pair of service awards from state organizations.

The Georgia Forensics Coaches Association selected Preston for the Richard Bracknell Service Award for his extensive efforts at organizing 51³Ô¹ÏÍø students to serve as judges for high school debate competitions.

Preston also received an outstanding service award from the Georgia Intercollegiate Forensic Association (GIFA) for 51³Ô¹ÏÍø hosting the GIFA competition for nine years in a row.

"It is hard to overstate how much Dr. Preston has contributed to our institution and to the lives of the students who have participated in debate over the years. The debate team reached unprecedented heights under his supervision," Dr. Jeff Marker, director of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's School of Communication, Film & Theatre, said. "Dr. Preston is highly respected throughout the country within the debate community, particularly within Georgia, and I couldn't be happier that he is being recognized for his leadership and service."

The professor, who has advised the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø club for 17 years, said he sees the honors as more of a team recognition thanks to the strong work of his students. His team has excelled in national and state competitions through the years. He points to their 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Blue and Gold Award for Outstanding Service to the Campus Community in 2022-23 for their 3,516 middle and high school student contacts through judging competitions. Preston also noted that the group has won a campus award each of his years advising the club.

Preston's students have gained valuable experience in their partnership with the Atlanta Urban Debate League, Georgia Speech Scrimmages and numerous other events. While he appreciates their desire to serve, Preston personally thrives on setting his students up for their futures.

"My favorite part is teaching the principles of communication and debate," Preston said. "We teach principles that are going to benefit them for a lifetime."

Preston will continue to teach in the fall but is stepping down from his club advising duties. 51³Ô¹ÏÍø is hiring Stephania Ortez, one of Preston's former students, as director of debate, forensics and interpretation starting in fall 2023.