Jerry Chandler

Jerry Chandler is a former Department Head and Professor Emeritus in Communication at Jacksonville State University, logging better than 30 years of service as an instructor in the Department of Communication in our journalism and broadcasting concentrations. He was central to the unit’s progression as a professional program, and helped form a foundation for its current status as an accredited program.

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 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.

Professor Chandler passed away in 2019 following a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 71. Following the announcement of his death, many former students made time to reflect and write about their experiences with Chandler, and how he helped them as aspiring professionals. It was an unsolicited outpouring of respect for a professor who was instrumental in their professional achievements.