Patrick Waldinger

Patrick Waldinger is a Lecturer in the School of Communication at the University of Miami, where he has served as Assistant Director of Debate since 2013. Prior to this, he was a Debate Coach and Lecturer in Communication at Boston College. He holds leadership roles in major debate organizations, including President of the Cross Examination Debate Association and Vice President of the American Debate Association.

• B.A. in Politics, The Catholic University of America (2003)
• M.A. in Communication, Wake Forest University (2005)

As a debater, Waldinger won the 2003 American Debate Association National Championship and qualified twice for the National Debate Tournament. His coaching career at UM has produced numerous tournament victories, including ACC Debate Tournament titles and national rankings. He also teaches debate to middle and high school students at summer institutes like UM’s Hurricane Debate Institute and Harvard Debate Council Summer Workshop.

Scientific Awards:

• Fultonian of the Year (2013)
• The Founder’s Award for Service (2016)

Under Waldinger’s leadership, the University of Miami debate team achieved multiple national accolades, including runners-up finishes at the American Debate Association National Championship (2014, 2019) and Final Four placements (2017). He remains actively involved in debate education, curriculum development, and community outreach programs.