Youngstown State University’s Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl Team A placed third at the Central States Ethics Bowl Competition at Marion University, securing a bid to the National Ethics Bowl Competition in March.

Team A competed against the University of Chicago, Oklahoma State University and Austin Peay State University, winning its first two matches and tying the third. The third-place finish qualifies the team for the national competition, set for early March in St. Louis.

The team is composed of Hunter Barnett, Peyton Hodge, Sofia Myers, Nikechi Onunwor, Noel Shackelford and Brandon Tabak.

“Our students demonstrated exceptional collaborative thinking and professionalism throughout the competition,” said Mark Vopat, a professor of philosophy in the department of Humanities and Social Sciences and ethics bowl coach. “Their ability to work through complex ethical issues under pressure really speaks to their preparation and dedication.”

The accomplishment extends YSU’s long-standing record of excellence at regionals – YSU teams have now earned a national bid in 10 of the past 11 years. In their 9 nationals’ performances YSU has finished in the top eight teams in the country 6 times, winning the competition in 2020.

YSU’s two additional teams, made up largely of first-time ethics bowl competitors, also delivered strong performances.

Coaches Vopat and Alan Tomhave, associate dean in the Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences & Education, also recognized the faculty, staff and community members who served as guest judges and helped prepare students for competition.

Judges included: Brian Bonhomme, professor in Humanities and Social Sciences; Dawna Cerney, professor in Humanities and Social Sciences; Mandy Fehlbaum, associate professor in Humanities and Social Sciences; Adam Fuller, associate professor in Humanities and Social Sciences; Cryshanna Jackson Leftwich, professor in Humanities and Social Sciences; Gabriel Palmer-Fernandez, distinguished professor emeritus in Humanities and Social Sciences; Meredith Treat, attorney; Christina Saenger, dean of the Williamson College of Business Administration; David Simonelli, professor in Humanities and Social Sciences; Stephanie Smith, professor in Art; A.J. Sumell, professor in Lariccia School of Accounting & Finance; Melissa Warheit, attorney; Eva Lamberson, YSU graduate and former Ethics Bowl participant.

“The support from our campus community is a major part of our success each year,” Tomhave said. “The constructive feedback our judges provide helps students refine their arguments and sharpen their position on the cases they will be discussing at the competition.”

As the team prepares for the national competition this spring, YSU continues to uphold its strong tradition in ethics education and competitive excellence.