I. King Jordan

Known for Acting

Biography

I. King Jordan is native of Glen Riddle, Pennsylvania. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served four years. An automobile accident left him profoundly deaf at age 21. He earned a B.A. in Psychology from Gallaudet University in 1970. The following year, he earned an M.A. in Psychology , and in 1973 a Ph.D. in Psychology, both from the University of Tennessee. Upon receiving his doctorate, he joined the faculty of Gallaudet University’s 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 President’s 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.