Balancing debate, academics and advocacy at JMU

Though the topic is static, debaters can research and touch on different facets of that subject at tournaments. The 2025-2026 topic has been labor laws, something that Matzen has a personal passion for. Drawing on her Disability Studies minor, Matzen most enjoys debating at the intersections of public policy and disability rights, a topic she says doesn’t get a lot of attention. “Debate has been a really unique academic setting to be able to learn how public policy affects people with disabilities. It's been something that I've loved learning about so much, and it's just so important for advocacy work that I think is so invaluable.”

Being a part of the debate team is a massive time commitment. Team members are often traveling from Thursday to Monday to attend tournaments, with the average varsity debate team attending six tournaments a semester. In addition to competitions during the academic year, Matzen spent last summer working with the University of Michigan’s debate team, conducting research and coaching high school students.

Despite the intensity, debate remains one of the most formative and favorite parts of her college experience. “Debate is the most valuable experience anyone could do,” she said, emphasizing the impact it's had on her public speaking skills, confidence and ability to communicate under pressure.

While debate serves as her anchor, Matzen’s presence on campus extends far beyond one organization. She serves as president of the Debate Team, is a College of Business Gold Scholar, is a member of the business fraternity Phi Chi Theta, belongs to Phi Mu, represents students on the Honor Council and works as a consultant at the Communication Learning Center, helping peers refine their speeches and presentations.

Balancing these commitments requires constant organization and time management. “I’m always a student first,” Matzen said. “If I have a giant exam, everything else has to take a break.” Over time, she learned that involvement isn’t about doing everything, but rather prioritizing what matters most and creating a balance.

That lesson became especially clear during her sophomore year, when an emergency appendectomy forced her to step away from campus for weeks. The surgery coincided with Debate Nationals, which she had to drop from, and some of her most difficult coursework, as she was preparing to apply for COB 300. 

Yet the experience reshaped her understanding of success and support. During her recovery, Matzen said her professors worked closely with her to adjust coursework, reschedule exams and ensure she could keep up despite missing weeks of class. “I learned a lot about actually trusting the people around me,” she said. “Your professors aren’t out to get you. They want you to succeed and do well.” For Matzen, the experience reinforced the supportive environment she has found within the College of Business and across campus.

Looking ahead, Matzen said her time at JMU has significantly influenced her post‑graduation plans. While she entered college envisioning a more traditional accounting career, her experiences in debate, leadership and consulting helped her realize she thrives in people‑focused roles. “I don’t want to do something in an office all the time,” she said. “I really am meant to work with people.”

This summer, Matzen will intern in a bank’s credit department, working in loan approval and risk management. Though she plans to complete her accounting degree, Matzen said her “experience at JMU has really set me up to go into some sort of relationship management or consulting job.”  As she reflects on her time at JMU so far, Matzen says that she is grateful for all of the different opportunities that have helped shape her. 

“It feels exactly like what I’m meant to do.”