Montreat College Engages in Ethical Discourse at NCICU Ethics Bowl

On February 10, 2026, Montreat College joins fifteen other institutions in the North Carolina Legislative Complex for the 12th annual NCICU Ethics Bowl, hosted in Raleigh. Participants will deliberate on pressing issues such as artificial intelligence, mental health, and non-fungible tokens within the art sector, all centered around the theme "Ethics in Contemporary Society."

The competition features teams of four to six students, supported by a campus coordinator, three judges, and a mediator per match. Over two days, competitors face four rounds of intricate ethical scenarios presented as case studies, with the most persuasive arguments securing victory in each segment.

Dr. Mark Wells, Montreat’s philosophy and ethics professor, will coordinate the college’s team. A seasoned educator since 2006, Wells also contributes to cybersecurity strategy, mentors the Ethics Bowl squad, and chairs the faculty executive committee. Local students including Daniel Bussey, Caprice Coffey, Samantha Franze, Grant Larsen, and Christian Young will represent Montreat.

NCICU President Hope Williams emphasizes the program’s dual role as an intellectual exercise and a platform for students to connect with community leaders, deepening their grasp of ethical challenges. Post-competition, attendees will gather at the North Carolina Museum of History for a celebratory dinner featuring keynote speaker Leslie Garvin, whose expertise spans policy, civic engagement, and free speech advocacy.

This year’s event is generously funded by sponsors like Coca-Cola Consolidated, ensuring free participation for all students and institutions involved.