I. King Jordan

Here is a detailed profile of I. King Jordan:

I. King Jordan – Life, Career, and Legacy

Learn about I. King Jordan (born June 16, 1943), the first deaf president of Gallaudet University, his journey from tragedy to leadership, his contributions to deaf education and activism, and his lasting influence.

Introduction

Irving King Jordan (commonly known as I. King Jordan) is an American educator, psychologist, and disability rights advocate. He became internationally known in 1988 when he was appointed as the first deaf president of Gallaudet University, following the landmark Deaf President Now (DPN) protest. His leadership not only transformed Gallaudet but also had deep symbolic impact on perceptions of deafness, access, and institutional representation in higher education.

Jordan’s journey—from being a hearing student to becoming deaf after an accident, to ascending through the ranks of academia and administration—illustrates resilience, advocacy, and institutional change.

Early Life & Deafness

Birth and Youth

• Jordan was born on June 16, 1943, in Glen Riddle, Pennsylvania, a small community near Philadelphia.

• He was born with normal hearing; his family had no known history of deafness.

Accident and Deafness

While serving in the U.S. Navy (Jordan enlisted after high school and served for four years) , he suffered a severe motorcycle accident. He was thrown into the windshield of a car, fracturing his skull, jaw, causing brain trauma, and damaging his auditory nerves. As a result, he became profoundly deaf (one side completely severed, the other severely impaired).

This life-altering event came in his early adulthood (around age 21) and marked a turning point in his trajectory.

Education & Academic Career

University Studies

• After his accident, Jordan enrolled at Gallaudet University and earned a B.A. in Psychology in 1970.

• He continued at the University of Tennessee, obtaining an M.A. in Psychology (1971) and a Ph.D. in Psychology (1973).

Academic & Administrative Roles

• After finishing his doctorate, Jordan joined the faculty of Gallaudet, teaching psychology.

• He later became Chair of the Psychology Department and then Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences.

• In 1988, following the Deaf President Now protest (see next section), he was appointed 8th President of Gallaudet University, and he served in that capacity until December 31, 2006.

During his presidency, he oversaw expansions in funding, infrastructure, and programs, and also became a public advocate for people with disabilities.

The Deaf President Now Movement

One of the defining moments of Jordan’s life—and of deaf history—is the Deaf President Now (DPN) protest.

• In March 1988, the Gallaudet Board initially selected Elisabeth Zinser, a hearing person, as president—a decision met with strong opposition from students, faculty, and alumni, who felt a deaf person should lead the university.

• Over the course of a week, the community organized protests, taught-ins, rallies, and strikes demanding change and adherence to the principle of representation.

• Under significant pressure, the Board reversed its decision and appointed Jordan as president on March 13, 1988—making him the first deaf person to hold that post.

• DPN became a watershed moment for the deaf community, symbolizing self-advocacy, empowerment, and institutional reform.

Jordan’s ascent following DPN cemented his role not only as an academic leader, but also as a public symbol of progress in disability rights and representation.

Challenges & Controversies

Toward the later years of his presidency, Jordan faced criticism and controversy, particularly regarding the selection of his successor:

• In 2005, the Board of Trustees selected Jane Fernandes as president-designate. Some faculty and students objected, alleging she was not sufficiently rooted in Deaf culture or that the process lacked transparency.

• Jordan publicly defended the Board’s decision and accused some critics of opposing Fernandes because she was “not Deaf enough.” This statement stirred debate, especially since Jordan himself had become deaf later in life (i.e. was not born deaf).

• The controversy led to protests and ultimately contributed to Jordan’s decision to retire at the end of 2006.

These events reflect the complex questions around identity, representation, and leadership in deaf communities.

Advocacy, Honors & Later Work

Disability Advocacy & Public Roles

• As president, Jordan became a spokesperson for the rights of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, challenging societal attitudes and advocating for access and inclusion.

• In 1990, President George H. W. Bush appointed him Vice Chair of the President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities; he was reappointed in 1993.

• In 2010, President Barack Obama appointed him to the Commission on Presidential Scholars.

• Jordan has served on multiple nonprofit boards and continues to speak publicly about disability, education, and leadership.

Honors & Recognition

He has received numerous awards and honorary degrees, including:

• Presidential Citizen’s Medal

• James L. Fisher Award

• Distinguished Leadership Award

• Multiple honorary doctorates (12+)

He also maintains recognition in both deaf and mainstream academic and civic circles.

Personal Life

• Jordan is married to Linda Jordan.

• They live in West River, Maryland.

• They have two grown children and two grandchildren.

• Jordan is also an avid runner and has participated in the Marine Corps Marathon repeatedly.

Legacy & Lessons

I. King Jordan’s legacy is multifaceted:

• Symbol of representation: His presidency changed the narrative around who can lead institutions serving deaf communities.

• Institutional change: Under his leadership Gallaudet expanded infrastructure, funding, research, and visibility.

• Advocacy for inclusion: He challenged societal perceptions of deafness and fought for greater access, opportunity, and recognition for people with disabilities.

• Complex identity: His life raises important questions about identity, what “Deaf enough” means, and how leadership intersects with lived experience.

• Courage & adaptation: Jordan’s journey—from hearing to deaf, from faculty to administration—demonstrates resilience, adaptation, and an orientation toward service.

His story remains a powerful example for educators, disability advocates, institutional leaders, and communities seeking authentic representation and structural change.