I. King Jordan

I King Jordan is native of Glen Riddle Pennsylvania After graduating from high school he enlisted in the US Navy and served four years An automobile accident left him profoundly deaf at age 21 He earned a BA in Psychology from Gallaudet University in 1970 The following year he earned an MA in Psychology and in 1973 a PhD in Psychology both from the University of Tennessee Upon receiving his doctorate he joined the faculty of Gallaudet Universitys Department of Psychology In 1983 he became Chair of the department three years later he was appointed Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences He made history in 1988 when he became the first deaf president of Gallaudet University In 1990 President George Bush appointed Dr Jordan Vice Chair of the Presidents Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities In 1993 President Clinton reappointed Dr Jordan Vice Chair of Office for Career Success On December 31 2006 Dr Jordan stepped down as president of Gallaudet University On April 6 2010 it was announced that he had been appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the Commission on Presidential Scholars