UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Faculty members in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State bring an array of career experiences and deep expertise to their positions, which often includes accolades and awards.

For one Bellisario College faculty member that includes recognition as a Hall of Famer.

Walter Middlebrook, the Foster Professor of Practice, was selected as a 2023 inductee into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame. He was honored as an editor, recruiter and professor in the latest six-member class, which was announced this week and will be formally honored in April.

Middlebrook joined the Department of Journalism at Penn State during the 2020-21 academic year. He previsoulsy served as a professional-in-residence in 2018.

His journalism career culminated as the supervisor of an award-winning investigations team, while producing weekly entertainment and opinion stand-alone sections, at The Detroit News. Before that, he managed the paper’s award-winning department that included the metro desk, state house, and Washington, D.C., bureaus. He worked for The Detroit News as assistant managing editor for 11 years.

Before moving to Detroit, he worked at the Minneapolis Star, the St. Paul Pioneer Press and Dispatch, Newsday, New York Newsday, The New York Times and USA Today. He began his career as an intern and copy clerk at The Boston Globe.

At Penn State, Middlebrook teaches and coordinates the annual Foster-Foreman Conference of Distinguished Writers, which annually brings students together with standout journalists and is an opportunity for students to acquaint themselves with distinguished role models in the profession.

Middlebrook earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Detroit chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists in 2018. He also earned a Distinguished Alumni Award from Boston University (2015) and the Spirit of Diversity Award from Wayne State University (2010).

Middlebrook, an Eagle Scout, is a native of Memphis, Tennessee. Along with his professional accomplishments, he has been active in community theater as an actor, singer and dancer.

The Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame was established to recognize those who have advanced the legacy of a free and responsible press and who have elevated journalism in Michigan. Induction memorializes extraordinary and clearly outstanding careers.