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USITT

Walter H. Walters

(1917-1982)

Education/Training:

  • Troy State University, Troy AL, BS in Education (1939)
  • University of Wisconsin – Madison, PhM in English Literature (1947)
  • Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, MFA in Drama (1949)
  • Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, PhD in Literature and Drama (1950)

Employment history:

  • Teacher, Alabama Public School System (1939-1942)
  • Lieutenant, U.S. Naval Reserve on the staff of Fleet Admiral Chester W Nimitz (1942-1946); received Citation for Meritorious Service from the Chief of Naval Operations
  • Faculty, University of Wisconsin (1946-1948)
  • Faculty, Pennsylvania State University, 1950-1982)
  • Chairman, Department of Theatre Arts and Film, Pennsylvania State University (1954-1966) Editor’s note: During his tenure, the Playhouse and Pavilion theatres were designed and opened, and a master of fine arts degree was added.
  • Associate Dean, College of Arts and Architecture, Pennsylvania State University (1966-1968)
  • Acting Dean, College of Arts and Architecture, Pennsylvania State University (1968-1969)
  • Dean, College of Arts and Architecture, Pennsylvania State University (1969-1982) Editor’s note: Under Dr. Walter’s leadership the Museum of Art opened, the University Resident, Pennsylvania State Festival Theatre, and the Nitanny Mountain Summer Theatre companies established, and the Angels Program launched.
  • Director, University Arts Services, 1973 - 1982

Publications:

  • Editor, Books in Review
  • Editor, AETA Journal
  • Editor, USITT newsletter, 1966 - 1968

USITT Involvement and Offices Held:

  • Board of Directors (1966-1970 & 1976-1978)
  • First Vice President (1970-1971)
  • President (1971-1972)
  • Chairman, Executive Council

Awards and Honors:

  • Elected USITT Fellow (1977)
  • Chairman, Theatre Management and Administration Project, American Theatre Association (1965-1967)
  • Advisory Council, American Academy, Rome (1968-1982)
  • Chairman, Founding Committee & first President, University and College Theatre Association (a division of ATA, 1970-1971)
  • Citation in recognition of distinguished contributions to the advancement of education, presented by the Secretary of Education, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on behalf of the Governor (1972)
  • Chairman, Theatre Advisory Panel; responsible for the development and advancement of theatre in the Commonwealth (1972-1973)
  • Vice Chairman & Chairman, International Council of Fine Arts Deans (1973-1974)
  • Discussion leader, international conference in Florence on professional education and career entry of artists (1984)
  • Chairman, Fine Arts Commission, National Association of State University and Land Grant Colleges (NASULGC) (1975-1981); Led steering committee that produced report on “The State of the Arts at State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges”- the first and only such assessment
  • Steering Committee, Board of Directors & Secretary/Treasurer, American Research Institute for the Arts (1975-1982)
  • Chairman, Caucus on the Arts in Higher Education (1978)
  • Fellow, American Theater Association