NGA St. Louis hosted a collegiate debate competition involving teams from five institutions of higher learning on Nov. 14 as part of an NGA recruiting initiative strategy. Participants included14 faculty and staff and 16 students from Bradley University, Missouri Valley College, Southwest Baptist, University of Missouri – Columbia and Webster University.

Judges and moderators for the contest included several NGA employees from across the agency. Debate topics related to U.S. adoption of a clean energy policy for decarbonization, with reasoning, communication and problem-solving skills as the judging criteria

NGA Director VADM Frank Whitworth provided remarks to open the day’s activities, speaking to students about the merits of debate team experience. 

“Debate teaches public speaking, grace under pressure, and critical thinking ... skills that are vital to any professional career, and absolutely paramount to a career in the federal government – especially in the field of intelligence," said Whitworth.

NGA recruiters were onsite during debate day to help students assemble a proper resume for federal job application and to open a pipeline for future NGA talent. 

“It was very impactful to have this debate and get the opportunity to network at the lunch and learn” said NGA recruiter MaKesha Harris, Ph.D., “It was a great opportunity to engage with students and converse with them about their coursework and their university’s geospatial training.”

The St. Louis Debate tournament winner was Webster University, and runner up was University of Missouri-Columbia.

The competition delivered a chance to gage local academic talent and support NGA future recruitment. 

“We’ve already heard from schools who were unable to participate this time out, who want to be there for the next debate” said Harris, “We anticipate recruiting some of these students, and hopeful word of mouth spreads throughout the area about this successful event.”