Olympic Medalist Named College President

Ulis Williams, a Compton High School track star and 1964 Olympic gold medalist, has been appointed the new president and superintendent of Compton Community College, officials said Wednesday.

Williams, 55, who has been interim president for 10 months, was officially elevated to the top position Tuesday, capping a 26-year career at the college that began as assistant track coach.

“It took a great deal of sacrifices and training to win the gold medal,” Williams said. “And it is gratifying to know that when you try to do the best in various positions, eventually you can become head of the institution.”

In making their selection, members of the Compton Community College Board of Trustees expressed confidence that Williams could lead the college out of a difficult period.

Compton College’s last president, Byron Skinner, resigned after a rocky two-year relationship with the Board of Trustees that included his suspension and a lawsuit.

As interim president, Williams stabilized the college’s finances, launched a major student recruitment campaign to bolster enrollment, and helped persuade the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges to restore the college’s full status.