Dr. I. King Jordan, the First Deaf President of Gallaudet University, Visits Utah
Written by Jodi Christel Becker
2026
2026
Author's Note
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve on a 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.
Dr. Jordan graciously joined a panel of Deaf community members at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to discuss breaking down barriers and creating positive change. The audience was thrilled to see him and eagerly anticipated hearing his story about becoming the first Deaf president of Gallaudet, as well as learning about the behind-the-scenes events of the historic 1988 Deaf President Now movement. With his characteristic sense of humor, he remarked that sharing the entire story would take until midnight!
It was an honor to serve as a panelist, and it was especially meaningful to reconnect with Dr. Jordan. He served as president during my years at Gallaudet, and seeing him again brought back many wonderful memories of my time there.
I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Pamela Mower and Lance Pickett for inviting me to participate in this special event. It was a truly memorable experience and one that I will always cherish.
Thank you!
Jodi Christel Becker
Dr. Jordan graciously joined a panel of Deaf community members at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to discuss breaking down barriers and creating positive change. The audience was thrilled to see him and eagerly anticipated hearing his story about becoming the first Deaf president of Gallaudet, as well as learning about the behind-the-scenes events of the historic 1988 Deaf President Now movement. With his characteristic sense of humor, he remarked that sharing the entire story would take until midnight!
It was an honor to serve as a panelist, and it was especially meaningful to reconnect with Dr. Jordan. He served as president during my years at Gallaudet, and seeing him again brought back many wonderful memories of my time there.
I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Pamela Mower and Lance Pickett for inviting me to participate in this special event. It was a truly memorable experience and one that I will always cherish.
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. Photo from the private collection of Jodi Christel Becker
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 discussion with Deaf community leaders on May 2, 2025. Dr. Jordan served as the first Deaf president of Gallaudet University from 1988 to 2006.
The panel featured:
Pamela Mower, Continuing Education and Outreach Manager at the Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, served as moderator.
The panel featured:
- Dr. I. King Jordan, 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 of 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 moderator.
L-R: Pamela Mower, Joseph Featherstone, Featherstone, Lance Pickett, Dr. Michael Ballard, Dr. I. King Jordan, and Jodi Christel Becker. Photo from the private collection of Jodi Christel Becker
The panel engaged in a thoughtful and inspiring discussion about breaking down barriers, promoting accessibility, and creating positive change within our communities. The conversation offered valuable insights into leadership, advocacy, and the ongoing efforts to advance opportunities for Deaf individuals.
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. Photograph by Shelly Edwards
Dr. Jordan's previous visit to the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing on October 4, 2003, was also a memorable occasion. During that visit, he participated in the dedication ceremony honoring Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, the center's namesake. In a panel discussion, Dr. Jordan recalled that Dr. Sanderson was one of three Deaf members of the Gallaudet Board of Trustees who strongly advocated for the appointment of a Deaf president during the historic 1988 Deaf President Now movement. Dr. Jordan also shared that, after he became Gallaudet's first Deaf president, Dr. Sanderson warmly congratulated him with a long and heartfelt embrace.
L-R: Dr. I. King Jordan and Dr. Robert G. Sanderson at the Sanderson Honorary ceremony on October 4, 2003. Photo courtesy of Sanderson Community Center
The evening before the panel, on May 1, Dr. Jordan received an honorary degree from the University of Utah during its commencement ceremony. This prestigious recognition honored his extraordinary leadership and lasting contributions to Gallaudet University, higher education, and the Deaf community. His achievements continue to inspire Deaf people throughout the nation and remain a source of pride for our community.
Dr. I. King Jordan receives an honorary degree at the University of Utah's commencement in 2025. Source: DSDHH Flyer
