Adam J. Jacobi ’99

2026 Distinguished Alumni Award for Professional Achievement: College of Arts & Sciences

A nationally respected leader in speech, debate and theatre education, Adam J. Jacobi ’99, has devoted his career to empowering young people to find their voices, build confidence and engage meaningfully with the world around them. For nearly three decades, his work has advanced communication education at the local, state, national and international levels—expanding access, championing inclusion and shaping the future of the field.

Jacobi’s passion for communication and performance took root early and was refined at Carroll, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication and Theatre Arts. Immersed in the liberal arts, he was actively involved in the Carroll Players, Communication Club, campus media and international performance experiences that broadened his global perspective. That foundation prepared him for a career that seamlessly integrates education, leadership, advocacy and service.

Since 2014, Jacobi has served as the full-time Executive Director of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Speech & Dramatic Arts Association (WISDAA), one of the nation’s oldest state activity associations. In this role, he manages statewide operations, directs major contests, supports regional programs and advocates for speech, debate, theatre and film education across Wisconsin. Under his leadership, WISDAA has expanded programming, built partnerships, strengthened governance and enhanced opportunities for thousands of middle and high school students each year.

Jacobi’s influence extends well beyond Wisconsin. He serves on the Board of Directors of the National Speech & Debate Association and was appointed to the National Federation of State High School Associations’ Speech, Debate and Theatre Advisory Committee. He is also the Curriculum Coordinator for Congressional Debate with the Harvard Debate Council Summer Workshops, where he teaches students internationally and designs pedagogy-driven curricula that emphasize collaboration, leadership, and civic engagement.

Earlier in his career, Jacobi held key leadership roles with the National Speech & Debate Association, where he helped develop international public speaking and debate curricula, implemented programs in China, directed national tournaments and launched initiatives that broadened student access and recognition. He has also served as a college instructor and coach at Ripon College and taught International Baccalaureate Theatre in Milwaukee Public Schools and directed one of Wisconsin’s most prominent high school forensics programs at Rufus King High School—mentoring students in speech, debate and performance.

An accomplished author and presenter, Jacobi has written books, articles and instructional guides and regularly leads professional development and academic sessions on the educational impact of speech, debate and theatre. His scholarship and training efforts continue to shape educators and programs nationwide.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Jacobi received the National Federation of State High School Associations National Citation Award for Speech, Debate and Theatre Education—one of the highest honors in the field—and in 2024, he was inducted into the National Speech & Debate Association Hall of Fame, an honor reserved for fewer than one percent of member coaches and leaders.

Throughout his career, he has remained guided by a central belief: that communication education is transformational—especially for students from historically marginalized communities—and that inclusive, supportive spaces can change lives.

Jacobi lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with his husband, Scott Baker, a professor of secondary education and former speech and debate coach, along with their son, Ethan. Whether in a classroom, boardroom, tournament hall or nonprofit office, he continues to advance the power of communication education to build confidence, foster belonging and prepare young people to engage thoughtfully with the world.

See all the 2026 award recipients