Ryan

Ryan is an Assistant Professor and the Director of the Speech and Debate Union at Murray State University. He specializes in argumentation, organizational dynamics, and conflict management.

Ryan believes debate and public speaking can be learned by anyone and that those skills require time and commitment to develop. He loves helping people of all ages improve their communication skills and tackle their fear of public speaking.

Ryan has coached two universities to dozens of state and national championships since he started coaching in the fall of 2017. For his exceptional mentorship he has received the Margaret Greynolds Coach of the Year award from the Kentucky Forensics Association and the Forensics Educator of the Year award from the Southern States Communication Association.

Ryan completed his Ph.D. in Organizational Communication at North Dakota State University in 2023. His research focuses on interpersonal relationships in the workplace, conflict management, and mentorship in the world of speech and debate.

Ryan loves to travel the world with his wife Maranda: their goal is to visit all 50 states and as many countries as possible. So far, he’s been to 32 states and 7 countries.