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March 29, 2006
Retiring Gallaudet president honored
I. King Jordan, a University of Tennessee graduate who received international attention as the first deaf president of Gallaudet University, won a tribute Tuesday from the full U.S. House of Representatives for a career that has featured various highlights. The House unanimously approved a resolution noting his accomplishments in response to his plans to retire in December after 18 years as president of the District of Columbia college for the deaf and hearing impaired.
Jordan, who earned a master's degree and doctorate in psychology at UT-Knoxville, was a dean at Gallaudet in 1988 and one of three finalists for the presidency when the university board chose a hearing person.
Students protested for a week in support of naming a deaf president, drawing attention from international media outlets. Then the board chose Jordan, who had become deaf at age 21 from an automobile accident.
Since then the university's board of trustees has credited him with:
n Increasing the university's endowment from $5 million to $150 million;
n Heading a $40 million capital campaign to construct the Student Academic Center;
n Being a prominent advocate for passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990.
The House legislation in part says Jordan is "an accomplished, respected leader who devoted his life to Gallaudet University and efforts to improve the quality of life for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and individuals with disabilities."
He is a native of Glen Riddle, Pa. After high school he served in the U.S. Navy. Then he earned a bachelor's degree at Gallaudet and advanced degrees at UT.
Upon receiving his doctorate, he joined the faculty at Gallaudet in 1973 and in 1983 became chairman of the Psychology Department. Three years later he was named dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. He also has been a research fellow at the school for the deaf in Edinburgh, Scotland, and an exchange scholar in Krakow, Poland.
He received a presidential medal in 2005 for his work with the disabled, and two presidents named him to leadership roles on committees for employment of those with disabilities.
Jordan could not be contacted. He said earlier he plans to travel with his wife, Linda, spend more time with their two grown children, run more marathons and 100-mile "ultra marathons," teach scuba diving, and continue efforts to support deaf empowerment and achievement.
He already has completed more than 200 marathons and 40 ultra marathons, the university said.
By Richard Powelson
http://www.knoxnews.com/kns/national/article/0,1406,KNS_350_4577745,00.html
Posted by 4HL on March 29, 2006 6:20 AM
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