Folklorist John Burrison has completed 60 years as a faculty member at Georgia State University, where he has played a significant role in the study and preservation of Southern folklore. Burrison, who is a Regents’ Professor of English and the creator and director of the university’s folklore curriculum, is recognized as an expert on Southern folk pottery and is known for his commitment to teaching and mentoring students.
Burrison’s career began after he shifted from studying advertising at Penn State to academia, following advice from an adviser who suggested he was better suited for scholarly work. He later focused his graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania before moving to Atlanta in 1966 to develop courses in folklore at what was then Georgia State College.
He has authored seven books, including “Brothers in Clay: The Story of Georgia Folk Pottery,” which grew out of his dissertation research. His other works include “From Mud to Jug: The Folk Potters and Pottery of Northeast Georgia” and “Global Clay.” Burrison’s collection of folk objects formed the basis for the exhibit “Shaping Traditions: Folk Arts in a Changing South,” which was displayed at both Georgia State and the Atlanta History Center for nearly three decades.
The John Burrison Georgia Folklore Archives at the Atlanta History Center houses numerous recordings collected by Burrison and his students over six decades. Since 1993, students have contributed fieldwork projects documenting folk life, resulting in nearly 1,600 interviews—over half of which are available online with more being digitized.
Professor LeeAnne Richardson noted that Burrison’s classes attract students from many disciplines beyond English. “Of all the English classes, his students are from the widest variety of majors,” Richardson said.
T.J. Smith, a former student who now directs the International Friendship Center in North Carolina, credited Burrison with supporting his academic growth. “He gave me my first book credit,” Smith said. He also described Burrison as enthusiastic about teaching: “He is so enthusiastic about what he teaches, and that comes through in an authentic way.”
Burrison continues to be active both on campus and within the broader community. He serves as curator for the Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia, where a pottery studio bears his name. Distinguished University Professor Lynée Lewis Gaillet commented on his approach: “He’s always had a student-centered pedagogy.” Regents’ Professor Emeritus Randy Malamud added that Burrison communicates simply and listens before speaking.
In October, during the annual meeting of the American Folklore Society in Atlanta, Burrison received its Lifetime Scholarly Achievement Award. Linda F. Carnes-McNaughton wrote in support: “He has shared his extensive research with every student he has had the pleasure of instructing over the past 50 years.”
Despite marking his 83rd birthday this year, Burrison remains dedicated to teaching multiple classes each semester across various disciplines such as art, anthropology, history, and music.
“I love teaching and can’t think of anything else I’d rather do,” Burrison said. “Teaching a group of students who understand what I’m trying to get across—that’s the most satisfying thing in the world to me.”
Laura Morgan Green (B.B.A. ’84), another alumna from Georgia State University, has served as chief operating officer at Green Financial Resources LLC for 17 years; her company recently received recognition as Pinnacle Small Business overall winner (https://news.gsu.edu/class_note/laura-green-2/). Additionally, Thomas M. Nickles III (MBA ’03) joined Nucleus Medical Media Inc., specializing in medical illustrations and animations (https://news.gsu.edu/class_note/thomas-m-nickles-2/).
