60 Seconds with Dr. Hester: Top Debate Coach and eCore COMM Instructor

You are known as one of America's top debate coaches, and have led the University of West Georgia to multiple national championships. You were also consistently ranked as a top 10 debater nationally when you were in college. Briefly tell us how to win an argument.

You must first understand who you are trying to convince, determine what kinds of evidence they find persuasive, and what their most likely objections to your position are.

Most Sunday afternoons, you can usually find me . . . in the GA Dome, watching the Atlanta Falcons, Rise Up!

What was the last movie that made you cry? The Big Lebowski, when Donny dies.

Describe the most interesting online student you ever had. No one student stands out; rather, the composite profile of the non-traditional student always interests me. Their willingness to not only return to college, courageous in and of itself, but engage in online learning is something I admire and find remarkable.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? President of the United States.

What are two things most people don't know about you? I am an ordained minister; my karaoke version of "Purple Rain" brings down the house.

You travel all over the country to debate tournaments? Where's your favorite place? The Bay Area - San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley - has it all.

The most used appliance in my house is : Blender.

The definition of success is: Recognizing one's full potential.

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