Ulis Williams

Ulis C. Williams, born on October 24, 1941, in Hollandale, Mississippi, is a distinguished American former athlete celebrated for his remarkable achievements in track and field. He gained international fame as a gold medalist in the 4 × 400 meter relay at the 1964 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo, where he also secured a fifth-place finish in the 400 meters.

Williams' athletic prowess was evident early in his career. He clinched the AAU championships in the 440-yard dash in both 1962 and 1963, and in 1962, he was honored as the Track and Field News High School Athlete of the Year. After completing his education at Compton High School, he further honed his skills at Arizona State University, where he triumphed in the NCAA championships, winning the 440 yards in 1963 and the 400 meters in 1964.

At the Tokyo Olympics, Williams played a pivotal role in the American 4 × 400 meter relay team, running the third leg and contributing to a new world record time of three minutes and zero point seven seconds. This achievement solidified his status as one of the elite athletes of his time.

Following his illustrious athletic career, Williams dedicated nearly three decades to Compton Community College, where he held various positions of increasing responsibility. His commitment to education culminated in his appointment as Superintendent/President in March 1996, a role he held until 2005, further demonstrating his leadership and dedication to his community.