Irving King Jordan was born on June 16, 1943 in the small town of Glen Riddle, Pennsylvania, just outside of Philadelphia.  He joined the Navy after graduating from high school.  At the age of 21 he was involved in a serious accident while riding a motorcycle.  As a result of not wearing a helmet he fractured his skull and severed the nerves used for hearing in both of his ears.  He spent a year in the hospital rehabbing from his injuries.  As a result of his hearing loss his future in the Navy was over.  During this time he had the opportunity to reflect on his future life direction and goals. 

He attended Gallaudet College for his undergraduate degree and continued his graduate education at the University of Tennessee and received both a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in psychology.   Upon graduation he received an appointment to the Department of Psychology at Gallaudet College in 1973.  He received the title of Full Professor in 1982.  He eventually became the Dean of College of Arts and Sciences in 1986. 

In 1988 Gallaudet College was in the process of selecting a new college president.  Although Jordan was a finalist for the position a hearing person was selected.  Gallaudet College is the premier college for deaf individuals but has never had a deaf president.  The college community was angered and started the movement known as “Deaf President Now!”  The college was shut down by the student protester for an entire week.  The newly appointed president step aside and Jordan was appointed president.  This is considered the starting point that triggered the movement for civil rights for the Deaf community.  In 2006 Jordan retired as president of Gallaudet College.  As professor, chair, dean and president of Gallaudet College, Jordan made a significant contribution to the Deaf community as well as showing the world that “Deaf people can do anything, except hear!”

Jordan holds numerous honorary degrees and is the recipient of numerous awards.  These awards include the Presidential Citizen’s Award, James L. Fisher Award from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, the Washingtonian of the Year Award, the Larry Stewart Award from the American Psychological Association and the Distinguished Leadership Award from the National Association for Community Leadership.  

Reference: Lang, H. & Meath-Lang, B. (1995). Deaf Persons in the Arts and Sciences. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press.

Justin Finnegan