In Memoriam: Larry Burditt

Larry Glenn Burditt passed away October 31, 2025 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 64. He was born in 1961 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and was raised in Drumright, Oklahoma. His father was a farmer and had a machine shop and Larry was active in FFA. He loved to create art and practiced spinning, weaving, drawing, basketry, and fiber art throughout his life. In 1982 Larry married Shirley Rae Gullet and they had one son, Jason Burditt. Larry attended Oklahoma State University and earned a BS in Agriculture /Animal Science in 1983 and a Master of Science in Quantitative Genetics in 1987. He then returned to academia with a second degree in Graphic Design in 2002 at OSU and an MFA in Visual Communication from University of Oklahoma in 2006 with a thesis titled “Use of Visual Communication to Increase Acceptance of Human Diversity.”

Larry joined the Graphic Design faculty in the Department of Art and Design at Central Michigan University in 2006. He became an internationally recognized designer whose creative work explored themes of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging and incorporated emerging media such as 3D printing. He was also the recipient of multiple awards for work in digital media from interactive children’s books to website designs.

He served as Chair of the Department of Art and Design from 2009-2016. He was a very successful chair, providing leadership, support and creating community among faculty and staff. He was instrumental in the development and installation of the 3D printing Makerbot Innovation Center. He championed new technologies and incorporated them into the Art and Design curriculum. He also oversaw the construction of a new studio on the property of the Stephen L. Barstow House. The house, located on the Chippewa River, was designed by Stephen L. Barstow and donated to the department to house visiting artists. However there was no space on site for these resident artists to make art. Under Larry’s leadership, the university constructed a studio that would match the original design of the house, serve as a classroom and protect the residence. Other projects Larry championed improved teaching spaces in Wightman, including a new kilnyard roof, renovations of studio spaces, and the Wightman Sculpture Garden.

Larry always worked to strengthen the department academically as well as structurally. A major initiative that Larry brought to fruition was the establishment of an animation program in the department. This newest addition to the Art and Design stable has been very successful with over 80 majors at present. Students in animation learn the art & skills of 2-D and 3-D animation, which incorporates drawing, character development, narrative, collaboration and much more in the learning process.

Larry loved to teach and mentor students. He guided students through three Graphic Design Capstone exhibitions – in 2012 – Constructables – Concept Builders; in 2016 – Eunoia; and in 2020 (which was canceled due to the Pandemic closings) 20/20 Vision. He and his students won many awards. He won a Best of Show for his piece “Gender Chess” in 2015 at a national juried exhibition. The work is now in the Central Michigan University Art Collection.

Larry and Shirley bought land and established a small farm in 2009. They grew beautiful vegetables and raised sheep and chickens until 2018. A good friend, the artist Ann Kowaleski, says she still has skeins of wool that Larry spun and has found them too lovely to use (yet). Larry and Shirley also made quilts that hung in their home.

Larry Burditt retired in 2022 and moved back to Oklahoma to be close to family. He was preceded in death by his father: Glenn Burditt. He is survived by his wife and help-mate Shirley Burditt, his son Jason Burditt and wife Samantha and grandchildren Kira, Laytin, Raelynn and Serenity of Michigan; his brother Kevin Burditt and wife Gala of Claremore, OK; sister Kim Smith and husband Joe of Cushing, OK; and nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Scott de Brestian, current Chair and Professor in the Department of Art and Design said “Larry was known to his students and colleagues for his warmth, humor, and kindness. He was a comforting presence in Wightman Hall, and he will be missed. We have a great love and esteem for him."