Abigail Smith Williams , Instructor
B.A., Speech Communication, University of Alabama 2005
M.A., Communication Studies, Georgia State University 2007
I was born and raised in California, but made my way to the South in 2001 to debate for the University of Alabama. While in Tuscaloosa I met my amazing husband, Anthony, who I married the day after I graduated (on what was the most hectic yet rewarding weekend of my life!). Anthony and I moved to Atlanta in 2005. I spent two years in Georgia State University's M.A. program, where I learned to teach and worked as a graduate assistant for the debate team. Now that we've found our way back to Alabama, Anthony is pursuing a career in real estate and we are both looking forward to starting a family. I spend my free time doing arts and crafts, reading, playing with my two cats, looking for delicious vegetarian restaurants, and hanging out with Anthony.
My general area of interest is rhetorical criticism. I am also interested in issues of race and identity. My thesis is on white supremacist rhetoric.
I decided to come to Samford because I was looking for an institution that inspired me. I wanted to find a place where the needs of the students is the top priority, teaching talent is nourished, and the debate team is hard working and dedicated but felt like family. Samford fit that bill perfectly.
Honors /Awards/Professional Activities
- As a debater qualified for the National Debate Tournament twice
- Recipient of the Penny Allen Award for Service to Students
- Ronald E. McNair Scholar
- Selected for the USA Today Academic All-American Team
- Recipient of the Carl Elliot Award for promoting diversity
- Voted SEC. Debater of the Year in 2004 and 2005
- Georgia State University Journalism History Society Excellence in Research Award
- Cross Examination Debate Association Southeast Regional Representative
- Two-time winner, Georgia State University Communication Department Harold Davis Award for Outstanding Graduate Service
- CEDA Outstanding Graduate Assistant District Six in 2007
- Currently co-authoring the National Debate Project Debate Manual
