Walter Middlebrook

Walter Middlebrook is the Foster Professor of Practice in the Department of Journalism at the Penn State Bellisario College of Communications. He joined in 2020 after a distinguished career spanning major news organizations, including The Detroit News, where he led award-winning investigations and managed metro/statehouse/Washington bureaus. He previously held editor roles at Newsday, The New York Times, USA Today, and others.

• Teaches journalism and coordinates the annual Foster-Foreman Conference, connecting students with prominent journalists.
• Recipient of the 2018 Detroit SPJ Lifetime Achievement Award, BU’s Distinguished Alumni Award, and Wayne State’s Spirit of Diversity Award.

His professional expertise includes investigative reporting, newsroom management, and editorial leadership. Beyond academia, he remains active in community theater as an actor, singer, and dancer.