Forensics: Speech & Debate

Jennifer Baney
Interim Director of Forensics

My educational journey has included a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of California, Davis where I focused my research on social movements, specifically, within marginalized groups in addition to studying the role of gender. During my bachelor's degree, I also competed in Speech and Debate, focusing mostly on debate. After graduating from Davis, I found myself assisting coaching debate and really drawn to the idea of teaching at a Community College thanks to my Master's program. I earned a master's degree in Communication from the University of the Pacific with an emphasis in Political communication where I coached national competitors in both IE events and debate. During my master's program, I shifted my focus to the roles of pop culture as passive rhetoric and focused my research on Political communication within comics. After publishing, rather than pursuing a PhD, I decided that my love for the classroom was more prevalent and decided to begin teaching. Currently, I teach at a few colleges in and around the Inland Empire including RCC, Palomar, and of course MSJC! Currently, at MSJC I work with the Forensics (Speech and Debate) team as the lead coach for debate. Additionally, I work as a co-advisor for the Communication Club, one of the speech coaches for MSJC TEDx, and am part of the Honors Committee to serve our students.

On a more personal note, I am politically/socially active being involved with BLM, LGBTQ+, and the Feminist movement. In addition, I have been with my high school sweetheart, Christine Baney, since 2013 who also works in the Library at MSJC as an associate Librarian. Together, we have a stubborn mini schnauzer and two spoiled cats. In my spare time, I enjoy watching the Anaheim Ducks, LA Dodgers, or the Chiefs while grilling in the backyard. If a game is not on, you can catch me in the gym, taking the motorcycle out for a spin, or at the local car show.

You can contact Jennifer Baney at jbaney@msjc.edu 

Renee Orton
Individual Events Coach

Renee Orton is a Communication Studies Associate Faculty Member for Mt. San Jacinto College at the Menifee Valley Campus and for San Bernardino Valley College.  She is a Certified Advanced Facilitator for the University of Phoenix Southern California Campus.  Ms. Orton has facilitated students in Southern and Northern California to become effective communicators and critical thinkers since 1987.  She has served as faculty at UCLA, CSUN, CSULB, CSUDH, Cal Poly Pomona, SJSU, San Jose City College, Mission College, West Valley College, PCC, College of the Canyons, Riverside City College, Moreno Valley College, and Norco College.  Ms. Orton has coached students in competitive collegiate speech and debate, resulting in national honors at both the Two and Four Year College level.  At UC Irvine, Ms. Orton was an active forensics competitor in all Individual Events, CEDA Debate and Reader’s Theatre.  She has experience in sales marketing, management training, and financial planning.  She received her Masters Degree in Speech Communication from California State University Northridge and her Bachelors Degree in Social Ecology from the University of California, Irvine.

You can contact Renee Orton at rorton@msjc.edu

Eric Walker
Forensics Coach

Eric Walker has a strong background in communications and marketing in higher education, with recent experience as a Communications and Marketing Coordinator at MSJC's Public Information and Marketing Office. He also teaches as part-time faculty at RCCD and MSJC, where he enjoys fostering student growth and engagement. His academic journey at MSJC from 2009 to 2011 was pivotal, particularly his classes with Professor David Moss in Small Group Communication and Interpersonal Communication. He went on to complete his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Communication Studies at CSU, San Bernardino. Eric is grateful to the many people who have supported him throughout his education and career, and he remains eager to pass on what he has received to his students. He has served as a coach for TEDxMSJC and is now coaching the Forensics Debate Team.

Beyond his professional and academic accomplishments, Eric is a dedicated family man with a life devoted to Jesus Christ. He loves spending time with his wife and two boys and finds joy in both learning and teaching. His enthusiasm for music and singing adds a fun and lighthearted dimension to his life, making him a well-rounded individual with a deep love for his family and his faith.

You can contact Eric Walker at ewalker@msjc.edu