An experienced and familiar voice will be leading SBU’s storied speech & debate team
this fall.
Dr. Clint Wooderson, having recently announced his retirement as an administrator with Bolivar R-1 Schools, has accepted the position of Assistant Professor of Communication beginning with the Fall 2025 semester. A three-time alum of the university, Wooderson earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communication from SBU in 2001, his Master of Science in Education in 2003, and his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership in 2019. He also holds a Master of Arts in Communication from Missouri State.
"I'm excited to be back at SBU!” Wooderson said. “As an alumnus of SBU and the Speaking Bearcats, I feel privileged to be given the opportunity to continue the legacy of the program. I was blessed to study under Dr. Bob Derryberry and will work hard to continue the tradition of excellence."
Wooderson is well known throughout the Bolivar Schools community, having spent 22 years in public education with 19 of them coaching speech and debate at Bolivar High School. He coached many students to state and national competitions in speech and debate and has also taught theater.
The Speaking Bearcats forensics team has won 12 Pi Kappa Delta national championships, most recently in 2008. The program also has more than 25 championships in the Missouri Association of Forensics Activities. Learn more about Speaking Bearcats.
Published May 15, 2025