Walter Crockett

Walter E. Crockett was a native of Bristol, Virginia. Although the 1977 Emory & Henry Sports Hall of Fame inductee was not a graduate of the College, he is honored for his contributions to the sports program at E&H and his support for higher education.

Born on December 3, 1905, Walter E. Crockett was educated at King College and Pyle Business College. In 1924, he joined the staff of the Bristol Herald Courier, where he worked a range of positions from telegraph editor to editorial columnist for 18 years. He also was managing editor for a companion newspaper called the Bristol News Bulletin.

Crockett began his career with WCYB-TV in 1952 and became news director, helping the station transform into a leading and outstanding news outlet. He worked diligently to promote the Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee region and its people through editorials that covered a wide range of issues. Among the bevy of topics Crockett promoted in his editorials was his support small local colleges for their uniquely intimate approach to higher education.

Crockett received numerous civic and professional honors including Honorary Christmas Seal Chairman for Southwest Virginia Tuberculosis Association (1968), Distinguished Service citation from E&H for Outstanding Contribution to Public Affairs through Editorials (1973), and an invitation to serve on the President’s Committee on Employment of the Handicapped.