Truman State University Forensic Union

Dr. Kevin Minch, Ph.D., Director of Forensics

Kevin Minch has been at Truman as Associate Professor of Communication and Director of Forensics since August 1999. Prior to arriving at Truman, Kevin served as an assistant coach for the University of Kansas Debate Team and Associate Director of the Jayhawk Debate Institute. He coached individual events at Wayne State University and high school debate at Brother Rice High School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. As an undergraduate he competed in NDT debate, Lincoln-Douglas debate and a wide range of individual events. He currently serves as Speech, Debate and Theater Consultant to the National Federation of State High School Associations and as President of the National Parliamentary Debate Association. He is Associate Editor of The Forensic Educator.

Kristopher Stroup, Acting Assistant Director of Forensics

Kris Stroup competed as an undergraduate at Truman in both CEDA/NDT debate and NPDA debate. He also tried his hand at a few individual events. From 2000-2002 Kris reached national elimination rounds at NPDA three times, including an appearance in the semifinals in 2001. He received his MA degree from Ohio University and anticipates the completion of his PhD in August 2007. While at Ohio he coached both individual events and Lincoln-Douglas Debate. Upon his return to Truman from Ohio he served as a volunteer assistant coach to the Forensic Union. He serves as an Assistant Professor of Communication at Truman State and is also serving as the Interim Assistant Director of Forensics.

Dr. Leslie Hahner, Ph.D., Assistant Coach

Leslie Hahner attended Truman State as an undergraduate and later competed for Central Missouri State. She also competed at Central Missouri State University (now the University of Central Missouri) where she also earned a MA degree and worked with debate and individual events. She received her PhD for the University of Iowa in 2005 and has served as an Assistant Professor at Truman and Coordinator of Internships for the Communication department since the Fall of 2005. Leslie assists with her former team on a part-time basis, listening to practices and traveling to a few tournaments each year.