Dr. I. King Jordan, the First Deaf President of Gallaudet University, Visits Utah
Written by Jodi Christel Becker
2025
2025
Author's Note
I am incredibly grateful to have been on the panel with Dr. I. King Jordan, the first Deaf President of Gallaudet University, during his visit to Utah to receive an honorary degree from the University of Utah. He graciously joined a panel of Deaf individuals to discuss breaking down barriers and making positive changes at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The audience was excited to see him and eagerly looked forward to hearing his story about being appointed as the first Deaf president, as well as the behind-the-scenes events of the 1988 Deaf President Now movement. He humorously remarked that sharing the entire story would take until midnight!
It was an honor to serve as a panelist, and it was especially wonderful to see Dr. Jordan again. He was president during my time as a Gallaudet student, which brought back many great memories!
I also wanted to thank Pamela Mower and Lance Pickett for inviting me to join the panel. It was a truly memorable experience!
Thank you!
Jodi Christel Becker
It was an honor to serve as a panelist, and it was especially wonderful to see Dr. Jordan again. He was president during my time as a Gallaudet student, which brought back many great memories!
I also wanted to thank Pamela Mower and Lance Pickett for inviting me to join the panel. It was a truly memorable experience!
Thank you!
Jodi Christel Becker
This photo was taken during the Schlors Dinner in spring 1996 at Gallaudet University. L-R: Dr. Yerker Andersson, Kimberly Solomon Crites, Jodi Christel Becker, and Dr. I. King Jordan
The Breaking Barriers: Leading Changes Panel Discussion Featuring Dr. I. King Jordan
Breaking Barriers, Leading Change: A Panel Discussion Featuring Dr. I King Jordan. Source: DSDHH Flyer
The University of Utah, in partnership with the Division of Services of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, invited Dr. I. King Jordan to participate in a panel featuring Deaf participants on May 2, 2025. He was the first Deaf president of Gallaudet University, serving from 1988 to 2006. The panel consists of several participants, including:
Pamela Mower, Continuing Education and Outreach Manager at the Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, served as the moderator.
- Dr. I. King Jordan, the first Deaf President of Gallaudet University
- Lance Pickett, Director of the Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Joseph Featherstone, CEO of Hands Up Communications and Translations Unlimited, both based in Iowa
- Dr. Michael Ballard, program director for American Sign Language and Deaf Studies at Utah Valley University
- Jodi Christel Becker, ADA Accessibility Advisor at Salt Lake Community College
Pamela Mower, Continuing Education and Outreach Manager at the Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, served as the moderator.
L-R: Pamela Mower, Joseph Featherstone, Featherstone, Lance Pickett, Dr. Michael Ballard, Dr. I. King Jordan, and Jodi Christel Becker
We had a truly engaging discussion about breaking down barriers and making positive changes—an inspiring conversation that many of you would have found both interesting and insightful.
Dr. I King Jordan is participating in the panel with other Deaf individuals at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing on May 2, 2025. Photo Credit: Shelly Edwards
Dr. Jordan's last visit to the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing was a momentous occasion on October 4, 2003. During this visit, he paid tribute to Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, the center's namesake, at the naming ceremony held in his honor. In a panel discussion, Dr. Jordan noted that Dr. Sanderson was one of three Deaf members of the Gallaudet Board of Trustees who advocated for the appointment of a Deaf president during the 1988 Deaf President Now protest. When Dr. Jordan became Gallaudet's first Deaf president, Dr. Sanderson warmly embraced him with a long, heartfelt hug.
L-R: Dr. I. King Jordan and Dr. Robert G. Sanderson at the Sanderson Honorary ceremony on October 4, 2003
On the evening before the panel on May 1, Dr. Jordan received an honorary degree during the graduation ceremony at the University of Utah. This prestigious recognition reflects his significant contributions and leadership within the Gallaudet community during his time as president, a moment that brings us all immense pride.
Dr. I. King Jordan receives an honorary degree at the University of Utah's commencement in 2025. Source: DSDHH Flyer
