Larry Burriss

Professor of Journalism Larry Burriss teaches introductory and media law courses. He developed the Mass Media and National Security course, which examines interactions between the media and the government. At the graduate level he teaches quantitative research methods and media law. He also taught MTSU's very first online course: Media Law 4250.

Dr. Burriss holds degrees from The Ohio State University (B.A. in broadcast journalism, M.A. in journalism), the University of Oklahoma (M.A. in human relations), Ohio University (Ph.D. in journalism) and Concord Law School (J.D.). He has worked in public relations, print and broadcast news and has appeared on Channel 5 News many times to speak of media concerns. He writes a weekly media column for the Murfreesboro Post and gives commentary on media concerns for WMOT.

Dr. Burriss has published extensively in both academic and popular publications, including two books and many book chapters. Dr. Burriss' publications and presentations include studies of presidential press conferences, NASA photography, radio news, legal issues related to adolescent use of social networking sites, legal research, and Middle Earth.

He has won first place in the Tennessee Associated Press Radio Contest nine times, as well as the Board of Regions: MTSU career achievement award. He also won an award for outstanding achievement in instructional technology.

Dr. Burriss has served as director of the School of Journalism, dean of the College of Mass Communication and president of the MTSU Faculty Senate. He was appointed by Gov. Phil Bredesen to serve on the Tennessee Board of Regents. Dr. Burriss was a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force and served on active duty in Somalia, Bosnia, Central America, Europe and the Pentagon. He has also given numerous international conference presentations.