Gallaudet Responds to NAD Input on Search for New President

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) received a response to its open letter outlining certain expectations for the next President from the Gallaudet Presidential Search Committee. In the open letter, the NAD also applauded President I. King Jordan’s exemplary service as Gallaudet President.

The response from Gallaudet, sent by Pamela Holmes, Chair of the Gallaudet Presidential Search Committee, explained that the "detailed letter conveying enthusiasm for the upcoming process is not surprising given the historical relationship between Gallaudet and the NAD." She goes on to describe the strong relationship between Gallaudet and NAD through the years. Many NAD Presidents were Gallaudet alumni and countless other alumni served as NAD Board members, State Association presidents and other leadership roles. "In addition, we readily recognize the instrumental role the NAD played during the Deaf President Now (DPN) movement in 1988," Holmes said.

Holmes acknowledged the NAD input on the next Gallaudet President and said that it would be included in the search process. She also explained that the Presidential Search Committee will include University Board members, faculty, staff, students and alumni. "There will be opportunities for community stakeholders to meet with the hired search consultant and provide input on what the Presidential Profile should look like, make nominations of qualified candidates, attend the finalists' public presentations and provide feedback for the Search Committee's consideration," Holmes continued.

"The NAD appreciates the thoughtful response by the Gallaudet Presidential Search Committee. The next Gallaudet President will face monumental challenges that will have an impact on our entire community. Without question, the next President of Gallaudet needs to be ready to take on this vitally significant role," stated NAD Chief Executive Officer Nancy J. Bloch.

Some of the challenges that the Gallaudet president will face is understanding the civil rights movement and its emphasis on equality, educational opportunities and economic advancement; emphasizing the importance of communication access throughout the campus as well as in its affairs off campus; and serving as an exemplary leader who appreciates the uniqueness of being deaf, being content with his/her identity as a deaf person, and having a thorough knowledge of deaf culture and history.

Read the Gallaudet Presidential Search Committee response to the NAD letter [2] (PDF).