Until the 1980s, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Gallaudet University had always been deaf.

Answer 1

Actually, the question is quite wrong. Prior to the 1980s there were no Deaf Presidents nor Deaf Chairpersons of the Gallaudet Board. It was run entirely by hearing people, not Deaf people and that was precisely the problem. In 1988, the Deaf President Now protest movement was a highly motivating and successful effort by Deaf students, faculty and supporters, a watershed moment that led to the hiring of the first Deaf President of the University and the first Deaf Chairperson of the Board of Trustees.

By the way, the recorded video answer system is not working, unfortunately as I tried to submit a video/Signed response to this inquiry. Too bad the technical elements are not working at this time.