Walters, Walter H.

Walter H. Walters was born on December 19, 1917 in Troy, Alabama, and graduated from Troy State University in 1939 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. He completed a master's degree in English literature in 1947 at the University of Wisconsin, a master's in fine arts in drama in 1949, and a Ph.D. in literature and drama in 1950 at Western Reserve University. After completing his undergraduate and graduate studies, he joined Penn State's faculty in 1950 as an instructor in theater arts. He became an assistant professor of theatre arts in 1951, and associate professor in 1955. In 1956 he became the first head of the new Theatre Department, having served for two years as head of the dramatics program. Walters became a full professor in 1959. During his ten years as head of the Theatre Department, the new Playhouse and Pavilion Theatres were established at University Park. He directed the Penn State Players from 1950 to 1958, and developed the Summer Festival Theatre Program at Penn State. He was named dean of the College of Arts and Architecture in 1969, and continued to serve as a professor of theatre arts until retiring in January 1982. He died December 28, 1982.