Justin W. Kirk: Director of Debate and Lecturer

Justin W. Kirk serves as the Director of Debate and Lecturer in the School of Communications, Film, and Media at the University of West Georgia.

He holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Communication Studies from the University of Kansas, where his dissertation, titled "Barack Obama's Mass Shooting Eulogies: Tucson, Newtown, and Charleston as Moral Guideposts for a Nation in Crisis," received honors and was advised by Robert C. Rowland. His academic background also includes an M.A. in History of Ideas and a B.A. in Government and Politics from the University of Texas-Dallas.

Leadership in Debate and Communication

As Director of Debate, Dr. Kirk has guided the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) team to remarkable success, including consecutive National Championships in Debate Team Sweepstakes in 2022 and 2023. In 2023, Nicholas Wallenburg earned the title of Individual National Champion and Top All American Debater of the Year. Under his leadership, the team has consistently placed among the top competitors—ranking 2nd in 2021 and 2025, and 4th in 2019 and 2024—qualifying for numerous national tournaments and maintaining a strong win-loss record.

Dr. Kirk’s expertise in communication and debate is frequently featured in media outlets. He has provided expert commentary on presidential debates and the importance of empathy in democracy.

Research and Teaching

His scholarly work focuses on argumentation, rhetoric, and political communication. His publications include articles and book chapters on topics such as presidential rhetoric, mass shooting eulogies, and televised debates. Notably, his recent chapter, "Public Address in a Time of Crisis," co-authored with Robert C. Rowland, explores the role of public institutions during health crises. He is an active peer reviewer for journals like Political Science Quarterly, Argumentation and Advocacy, and The Western Journal of Communication. Dr. Kirk has presented extensively at national and international conferences on subjects ranging from artificial intelligence in debate to presidential rhetoric.

As an educator, he has taught diverse courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels, including Public Speaking, Argumentation, Rhetorical Theory, and the Rhetoric of the American Presidency. He has also served as a guest lecturer on civic discourse and public speaking for peer mentors at UNL.