The inaugural USG Regents Cup event was held in April 2024 on the campus of Middle Georgia State University. The idea for this event was generated by Chairman of the Board of Regents Harold Reynolds and Regent Erin Hames, who wanted to create a space for students to cultivate their ability not only for advocacy but also for civil discourse. They sought to highlight how our students can communicate and articulate ideas from different perspectives in a persuasive, respectful way.

The 2024 series featured six participating institutions, with awards given to the top team and the top four individual debaters. Due to the success of the inaugural event, the Regents Cup expanded significantly for its second year. The 2025 tournament welcomed 13 participating institutions, showcasing the growing enthusiasm for this opportunity. Awards and scholarships were again presented to the top team and the top four individual competitors, reinforcing the Board’s commitment to recognizing excellence in both communication and critical thinking.

Building on this momentum, the 2026 Regents Cup will transition to a two‑day competition format. This expansion allows for a more robust tournament experience, providing students additional time for rounds, feedback, and engagement with peers and judges. The event will continue to follow the International Public Debate Association (IPDA) format, which encourages debaters to “think on their feet” and develop strong refutation skills while maintaining a focus on respectful, well‑reasoned discourse.

 

 

Past Winners and Judges

• April 2024

  April 15, 2024

  Winning Team

  • Valdosta State University
    • Reagin Jones
    • Gabby Lorentz

  
  Winning Debater

  • Ansley Warnock, University of Georgia

  
  Distinguished Judges

  • Former Gov. Nathan Deal
  • USG Regent Erin Hames
  • State Sen. Freddie Powell Sims
  • Former USG Regent Robert F. Hatcher Sr.
  • MGA Community Liaison Charles Richardson
  • Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Foundation, Chief Operating Officer Jodie Snow
  • Mercer University School of Law, Dean Karen Sneddon

   

  

• April 2025

  April 17, 2025

  Winning Team

  • University of Georgia
    • Lewis Cuello
    • Alexander Glover

   

  Winning Debater

  • John Davis, Dalton State College

   

  Distinguished Judges

  • USG Regent Deep Shah
  • USG Regent Haynes Studstill
  • State Representative Carter Barret
  • State Senator Chuck Payne

   

  Scholarship Winners

  $3,000

  • John Davis, Dalton State

   

  $2,000

  • Lewis Cuello, University of Georgia

   

  $1,000

  • Tyler Turner, Georgia Tech
  • Gabbi Lorentz, Valdosta State University
  • Alexander Glover