James Corson

Who was James Corson?

James Corson was an American athlete who competed mainly in the discus throw.

Corson attended the University of Southern California. He competed for the United States in the 1928 Summer Olympics held in Amsterdam, Netherlands in the discus throw where he won the bronze medal.

Corson later served as interim president of Willamette University in 1972-73.

James Corson, born in 1906, earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pacific, where he was also a tackle on their football team. He went on to receive his master’s degree from the University of Southern California and was the recipient of an honorary doctorate from his alma mater. In addition to playing football, Corson won the bronze medal in the discus throw for the United States in the 1928 Summer Olympics held in Amsterdam, Netherlands. By the time he joined Willamette, Corson had been a teacher, coach, and dean, but above all he considered himself an administrator who got the job done. When Willamette University Board Chairman George Atkinson approached Corson with the offer to serve as interim president, Corson was 66 years of age and happy to take the position with no desire to be promoted.