Applied Ethics Bowl

Applied Ethics Bowl

Status: Active

Geographic Scope: Virginia (VFIC member institutions)

Background: The Applied Ethics Bowl program was conceptualized in 1997 by the VFIC Ethics Task Force, co-chaired by Roger Mudd (former History Channel journalist and VFIC trustee) and Phillip Stone (President of Bridgewater College 1994-2010). The mission was to explore opportunities to involve students at VFIC colleges and universities in the lively debate and consideration of applied ethics—real world dilemmas that affect people's lives in increasingly complex ways.

Purpose: To strengthen student engagement with ethics in the workplace, classroom, and all aspects of life. While each VFIC institution had woven ethics into their curriculum and culture, this program was designed to strengthen the focus already in place.

Format:

Student teams from VFIC member institutions compete

Distinguished professionals serve as judges and moderators

Faculty members and students from across Virginia participate

Competition focuses on real-world ethical dilemmas

Recent Competition:

2026 (Most Recent): Held February 13, 2026 at University of Richmond

- Topic: "Ethics and Business"
- Champion: Bridgewater College
- Runner-up: Mary Baldwin University
- 16 teams competed from VFIC member institutions

Eligibility: Student teams from VFIC member institutions

Awards: Coveted Batten Trophy for winning team

Contact: Dawn Greggs at greggs@vfic.org for questions about the VFIC Applied Ethics Bowl