Blanton Named OPSU Interim President

On December 3, 2021, the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents voted unanimously to name Dr. Ryan Blanton the Interim President of Oklahoma Panhandle State University. Dr. Blanton will begin his duties on January 1, 2022, as the Regents conduct a nationwide search for the next president of OPSU. Blanton has been with the University since 2017 and currently serves as the Vice President of Operations and previously as Vice President of Outreach.

“Dr. Blanton has been a strong leader at OPSU and in the A&M System for a number of years. The board is grateful for his commitment to OPSU and his willingness to lead the institution during this time,” said Regent Trudy Milner, Chair of the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents.

Previous to OPSU, Blanton served as the Associate Vice President of External Affairs and Executive Director of the Development Foundation at Connors State College and has been part of the Oklahoma A&M System for 11 years. Blanton holds a Bachelor of Art, a Master of Art, and a Doctor of Philosophy, all in anthropology, from the University of Oklahoma.

Prior to entering the Oklahoma A&M system, Blanton served as an Outreach Coordinator for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, as well as an instructor of anthropology and a research assistant at both the American Indian Diabetes Prevention Center and the Center for Health Ethics, Research, and Policy at the University of Oklahoma.

“Dr. Blanton is a trusted leader on campus, in the community, and across the state” said outgoing OPSU President, Dr. Tim Faltyn. “He has been instrumental in the success of OPSU to this point and is an excellent choice to lead the university during this critical time. His passion to serve the region and the State of Oklahoma will serve the panhandle well.”

OPSU was originally founded by an act of the Oklahoma State Legislature in 1909 as Pan-Handle Agricultural Institute offering secondary agricultural education for the Panhandle area. In 1974, Oklahoma Panhandle State University became the official name of the University. Rooted in “Progress through Knowledge,” OPSU is committed to promoting excellence in the preparation of students for success in a global community.

“I am truly honored and humbled by the Board’s decision to be named as the Interim President,” said Blanton. “As an institution, we will continue to work diligently to build on the momentum and national reputation we have achieved these past several years.”