21 Northern State University Honorees: Distinguished Alumni: 2025 *To be recognized Sept. 19, 2025 at the NSU Hall of Fame and Distinguished Alumni Kerry Konda is an accomplished educator and debate coach at Aberdeen Central High School in South Dakota, where he has shaped the future of countless students over the past 17 years. He earned a Bachelor of Science in education degree in speech and debate in 2007, a second Bachelor of Science degree in education in secondary social studies in 2008, and a Master of Science degree in education in K-12 leadership and administration, in 2014 – all from Northern State University. After graduating with his first bachelors degree, Konda began his career at Aberdeen Central, where he has taught honors debate, American democracy, American history, and speech. As the head coach of the speech and debate team, Konda has transformed the program into one of the top contenders in the state and nation. His team has won 12 of the past 13 state AA team championships, with eight consecutive victories since 2017. Under his leadership, Konda has coached 27 state champions, 25 runners-up, and numerous other top finishers in events like public forum, Lincoln-Douglas debate, and expository speech. Konda’s success is not limited to state competitions. He has coached 169 students who have qualified for the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) national tournament, where his students have garnered significant achievements, including national titles. In 2022, Jordan Phillips won the national championship in extemporaneous commentary, and five of his students have been finalists for the prestigious National Student of the Year Award. The team has also earned national recognition, with accolades such as Debate Team of Excellence (2016) and Debate Team of Honor (2018, 2020). Beyond his achievements in coaching, Konda has made substantial contributions to the speech and debate community. He served as district chair for 11 years and has been involved with the South Dakota High School Activities Association’s Speech and Debate Advisory Committee. Through his efforts, he introduced informative speaking as a state event and restructured competition schedules to benefit coaches and competitors. Additionally, Konda advises the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club, where students have achieved national recognition, including a national champion in Intro to Public Speaking. Throughout his career, Konda has received numerous honors. He was named Young Speech Teacher of the Year in 2011 and received the National Communicator of the Year award in 2014. He is a three-time recipient of the Diamond Coach Award from the NSDA and was named Head Debate Coach of the Year by the South Dakota Forensic Coaches Association in 2012, 2020 and 2022. Most recently, Konda received the prestigious James M. Copeland National Speech and Debate Coach of the Year award in 2024, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the field of speech and debate on a national level. Konda’s dedication extends to his role as a mentor. His ability to inspire students and foster leadership is evident, with many of his former students now coaching debate nationwide. Through his tireless work and passion for teaching, Konda has left an indelible mark on both his students and the broader debate community. Kerry and his wife, Brittany, live in Aberdeen with their two children, Andrew and Gus. Speech and debate coach Kerry Konda displayed his James M. Copeland National Coach of the Year award, adding to his three Diamond Coach Awards and state honors.
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