Remembering Jerry Chandler

Communication Professor Emeritus Jerry Chandler, who taught at Jacksonville State University for 30 years, died on Aug. 15, 2019, after an extended battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was 71 years old.

Prof. Chandler began teaching following a distinguished career in journalism that included both print and broadcast media. He specialized in stories covering aviation and frequently served as an expert commentator on the topic for nation news media such as NPR and CNN. He was the author of “Fire and Rain,” a book about the horrific crash of Delta Airlines Flight 191 at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in 1985. In June 2017, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Aerospace Media Awards in Paris, France.

Generations of broadcast and print journalists received their first lessons in the field from Prof. Chandler, who frequently taught the Communication Department’s introductory classes as well as more advanced studies in broadcast writing and technique. He also spearheaded the department’s internship program, which helped many of those students find their first job in the field.

Following the announcement of Prof. Chandler’s death, a large number of his former students wrote tributes to him on social media. It was an unsolicited outpouring of respect for a professor who was instrumental in their professional achievements.

  • Jerry Chandler
  • Jerry Chandler
  • Jerry Chandler