Judson W. Foust was born on Jan. 4, 1902 in Ann Arbor (Mich.), the son of Earl H. Foust, an eye surgeon. He graduated from high school in 1919 in Ithaca (Mich.). In 1923 Foust graduated from Albion College with a degree in mathematics. While at Albion he belonged to Sigma Nu fraternity, was a member of the track squad and Mathematics Club, and worked at Albion Malleable Iron Works. After graduation, Foust taught mathematics and worked as a debate coach at Central High School in Lansing (Mich.). While teaching, he earned a M.A. and a Ph. D. in mathematics from the University of Michigan in 1927 and 1938, respectively. In 1929 Foust began working at CMU as a mathematics instructor. He authored several textbooks. In 1941 Foust was named the Director of Summer School at CMU. He later served as Assistant to the President, 1946-1952, and Vice President of General and Academic Affairs, 1952-1959. When Pres. Anspach retired in 1959, Foust succeeded him as President on July 1, 1959. During his tenure, CMU had one of its largest expansion periods up to that time. Enrollment and campus acreage nearly doubled, the university reorganized into schools, vastly expanded its graduate offerings, the library quadrupled in size, and three major classroom buildings and eight dormitories were built. The administration and faculty had such a strained relationship that the State Senate investigated and the faculty eventually organized its union, the Faculty Association, in 1967. Student protests also took place during the 1960s. Personally, Foust was active in the Rotary Club, loved to fish, and served as an elder in the First Presbyterian Church. He married Virginia Sutherland on Aug. 20, 1924, with whom he had five children: Donald, Robert, Jane, Jean, and Janice. President Foust died on Sept. 7, 1979 in Mount Pleasant (Mich.). He was survived by his wife, children, thirteen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. (Information from the collection.).
From the description of President Judson W. Foust Papers, 1923,2002. (Clarke Historical Library). WorldCat record id: 51211377
