In the Room Where it Happens: UIndy Students Gain Real-World Experience at Indiana Gubernatorial, U.S. Senate Debates

Written by Troi Watts

When Dr. Laura Merrifield Wilson, associate professor of political science, was invited to moderate the 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial and U.S. Senate Debates, she saw an opportunity not just for herself but also for her students. Producing a political debate requires many people behind the scenes, fulfilling various roles—from assisting local media to keeping time during the debate itself. Who better to fill these roles than future political professionals? So, Dr. Wilson incorporated attending and working at the debates into her Campaign and Elections course.

“I love these opportunities to moderate because I get to connect my students to that experience, said Dr. Wilson. “I see them get the ‘political bug’ from participating, and I want my students to have real hands-on experience. Attending these debates allows them to see what campaigns and candidates do in real-time, and they also see my preparation as moderator.”

In addition to their coursework, Dr. Wilson’s students received professional coaching from Rebecca Franks of the Stephen F. Fry Professional Edge Center in preparation for the debates. Franks advised the students, many of whom had never attended an event like this, on how to dress, network, and conduct themselves professionally. In this context, with candidates representing multiple political parties with differing priorities, professionalism also meant non-partisanship. 

Honors student Kennedy Terhune ‘27 (Political Science, International Relations, Pre-Law) was a shining example of this professionalism during the Indiana Gubernatorial Debate. As Timekeeper, Terhune was positioned right beside a camera, in front of all three gubernatorial candidates, for the entirety of the debate. While most people would find the technicalities and legal obligations of timekeeping to be nerve-wracking, Terhune felt more pressure in maintaining her “poker face” in front of the candidates.

“Because I’m so politically involved, naturally, I have my own political opinions and affiliations,” explained Terhune. “As the timekeeper, I had to be nonpartisan, similar to the moderator. So the most challenging part was keeping my poker face, making sure I wasn’t nodding my head when people were talking. Keeping that decorum was the most challenging part.” 

But Terhune overcame that challenge, succeeding in her first-ever experience in a high-stakes political arena. The real-world experience and support of her faculty from the Department of History and Political Science continue to inspire Terhune to explore potential career paths. 

“For most of my early adolescence, I was pretty sure I wanted to study political science and go to law school because that’s the most linear career path in this field,” recalled Terhune. “But now, I’ve learned a lot more about the opportunities and careers that come with studying this field, thanks to my professors and courses. 

“I’m really thankful to Dr. Wilson for the opportunity to be involved in the debate. It helps me understand what I’m really interested in and what I enjoy doing. Now, I’m considering a hands-on career in politics.”

Life after graduation was also at the forefront of Brady Davis’ ‘27 (Political Science, Pre-Law) mind following his participation in the U.S. Senate Debate. Davis was assigned to escort Dr. Valerie McCray, the Democratic Senate candidate, around the studio. Aspiring to run for office one day, Davis took this opportunity to gain firsthand insight into campaign life, observing the candidate and her team.

“It was pretty cool to see behind the scenes,” said Davis. “Campaigns are chaotic. There’s a lot that goes into it. It was interesting to see the campaign staffers watching the debate and reacting to what their candidates said.” 

While the debates may be over for this election cycle, the opportunities for UIndy students are certainly not. Dr. Wilson remains highly active in the political field and continues sharing real-world experiences with her students. Whether connecting students with volunteer or employment opportunities, making professional introductions, or simply leading by example, Dr. Wilson is committed to fostering the next generation of civic leaders.

“First and foremost, I hope these opportunities show my students that what they do in the classroom is meaningful in the community,” said Dr. Wilson. “Civic engagement genuinely is civic in terms of community involvement, but it is also engaged. We aren’t just talking about studies that have no meaning; we’re applying them. 

“Professional development is so much more than just being in the classroom, doing the readings, and listening to the lectures. It’s about learning how to network and how to represent yourself. Being able to model those skills and provide these opportunities for students is so important to me.”

Through these experiences, Dr. Wilson’s students are stepping into the world of politics not just as observers but as active participants. For many, these real-world experiences will shape their professional careers and deepen their understanding of civic engagement. From gaining confidence in high-stakes settings to learning the art of impartiality, these students are building a foundation that will serve them well—wherever their careers may lead.