Walter Burnette "Bud" Rea (September 9, 1898 – August 1970) was an American university administrator and basketball player.

He also served as the chairman of the committee on university scholarships and director of financial aid.

He grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania, where his father, Charles J. P. Rea, was employed as a printer.

[5] He was also a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, Michigamua, and the Sphinx, and the chairman of the University Service Committee.

[7] After receiving his degree in 1922, he spent most of his adult life working as an administrator at the University of Michigan.