About Us

The Seawolf Debate Program, housed in the Department of Communication and Discourse Studies at the University of Alaska Anchorage, is a co-curricular program dedicated to promoting public discourse for UAA students and its larger Alaskan community. 

Our Story

The University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolf Debate Program was founded in 1972 as the Anchorage Community College Speech and Debate Team.  Since its founding, the team has gained regional, national and international acclaim while representing the University of Alaska in competitive speaking tournaments.

Over the last two years, the Seawolf Debate program broke three teams at the Worlds Debating Championships, saw three semifinalist and one finalist team at the US Universities Debating Championships, and climbed in the official World Debate Council’s ranking to the 9th most competitive program in the world based on its cumulative success at the last five World Universities Debating Championships. This ranking places the team in 2nd highest ranked team from the United States.  Read more here.

Our Mission

We are guided by two primary goals:

  • excellence in competitive intercollegiate debating

  • promotion of public discourse

To achieve these goals we run a competitive team open to any UAA students and a robust service agenda that provides mentorship for middle and high school students, campus volunteer activities, and a series of public debates for the Anchorage community.

Our Future

  • We are committed to a better our community through the development of students who through debate become better, informed citizens. 

  • We appreciate the legacy of Seawolf Debate and its various alumni who give of themselves to continue to serve our mission through volunteer coaching and mentorship.

  • We are grateful for the support of our community to provide scholarships and travel opportunities for our students.

Give to the Seawolf Debate Program