SIC’s Paul Cummins Honored with National Phi Rho Pi Distinguished Service Award

Southeastern Illinois College is proud to announce that Paul Cummins, Chair of the Humanities, Social Sciences and Fine Arts division and former director of forensics/current coach, has been honored with the 2025 Phi Rho Pi Distinguished Service Award.

This national award recognizes Cummins’ outstanding contributions to the field of forensics and speech and debate during his 25 years at SIC.

Phi Rho Pi, a national speech and debate association for two-year colleges, presents the Distinguished Service Award annually to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication and service to the forensics community.

Cummins began his journey with SIC as a student, graduating in 1992. He went on to earn a master’s degree in communication studies from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and completed additional graduate coursework in social justice and pedagogy. In 2000, Cummins returned to SIC as a faculty member, bringing with him experience from teaching and coaching forensics at Mt. Vernon High School.

During his 17 years as director of forensics, Cummins led SIC’s Forensic Falcons to national championships during his tenure as coach, as well as numerous state and regional victories. Beyond coaching, he has served in leadership roles at every level of speech and debate, including executive director of the Illinois Intercollegiate Forensics Association and as a member of the board of directors and comptroller for Phi Rho Pi.

“Paul’s impact on students, both in and out of the classroom, is immeasurable,” said SIC President Dr. Karen Weiss. “His dedication to forensics and higher education has left a lasting legacy at Southeastern Illinois College, and we are thrilled to see his contributions recognized nationally.”

Current Forensic Falcons Director Jenny Billman echoed those sentiments.

“Paul Cummins built a legacy at SIC that goes far beyond trophies and titles,” Billman said. “He believed in students — sometimes before they believed in themselves — and that’s what makes this recognition so special.”

In addition to his work at SIC, Cummins is a child court advocate for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Southeastern Illinois, a volunteer for Friends of Saline County Animals, and a member of the Harrisburg Elks Club.

“If you tell a student they are something long enough, they will believe it and proceed through education accordingly,” Cummins said. “Why not tell them that they are outstanding?”

The Phi Rho Pi Distinguished Service Award not only celebrates Cummins’ individual achievements but also highlights SIC’s long-standing tradition of excellence in education and forensics.

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