Willamette University

About Willamette University

Jim Sumner

Jim Sumner

Oversees: Admission, Financial Aid and the Registrar.

James M. (Jim) Sumner, Vice President for Enrollment, began his university career in 1966 as an admission counselor at Pacific University, before becoming Associate Director of Admission at Willamette University in 1974.  During the next 26 years, he worked in the Office of the President, spent 3 years as the director of university relations and led admission from 1987-2000.

Sumner spent the next ten years working with Grinnell College, also leading admission, and becoming Senior Counselor to the College in 2007. Sumner served as Interim Dean of Admissions for Lewis & Clark College in 2010-11 before returning to Willamette University.

An American Fulbright Scholar, Sumner earned his bachelor’s degree in history at Pacific University in Oregon, and his master’s degree in education at Springfield College in Massachusetts. His unparalleled expertise in admission and financial aid, paired with his commitment to a liberal arts and sciences education at Willamette University, are valuable resources for our students and families.