L. Scott Deatherage

L. Scott Deatherage, BBA '84, MA '86, died of a heart attack at 47 in Chicago on Christmas Day 2009. Deatherage was a top debater for Baylor before moving to Northwestern University to pursue a doctorate in communication studies. He taught many years at the Baylor debate workshop. Considered one of the top debate coaches in the nation, he led Northwestern's debate team to an unprecedented seven national championships in 14 years. He won many awards, including two coach of the year honors, and was named coach of the decade in the 1990s. In 2008, Deatherage left Northwestern to be executive director for the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues. Under his leadership, 150 teams were started in urban schools across the country.