Walter H. Brovald, former journalism professor and owner of the Cadott Sentinel, was born in Necedah in 1928. He grew up in Eau Claire before graduating from UW-Madison with an English degree in 1949.
Brovald became editor of the Stanley Republican after graduating and later became general manager of the newspaper. In 1954, he bought the Cadott Sentinel. During his 12 years as publisher, the newspaper earned 54 state and national newspaper awards.
Wisconsin’s newspaper industry took notice, and in 1958, he became the youngest publisher to hold office in the Wisconsin Press Association. In 1961, he was elected president.
Five years later, Brovald accepted a faculty position at the University of Minnesota. He was an administrative assistant to the director of the School of Journalism. In 1968, Brovald earned his master’s degree and the university invited him on as an instructor.
He died Jan. 25, 1991, after several years of serious health complications. He was 62.
