Derek Barton

Mr. Barton graduated from Sheridan College with a degree in Criminal Justice and Communications. After moving to Guymon in 2017 to take over as General Manager for KGYN Radio, he began working with staff at Oklahoma Panhandle State University on advertising.

However, after a short time, he decided the radio station wasn’t a good fit, and began searching for a position elsewhere. In Mr. Barton’s own words, he “…had already grown to like the Oklahoma Panhandle…” and so when he was approached about joining OPSU as the Voice of the Aggies, the decision was a no-brainer. As the Voice of the Aggies, Mr. Barton not only acts as the announcer at various athletic and school events, but he also is involved in Athletic Sponsorship; in which he helps get businesses involved with athletics here at the school and helps raise money for the athletic programs.

If one were to ask Mr. Barton what his top interests are, there’s a very good chance of hearing two things: music and rodeo. Singing in choir and bands as a youngster, Barton even wrote some lyrics that were recorded by small artists. He is a PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) Gold Card Announcer and has been in the PRCA for over 20 years. He even hosts, owns and produces an internet and radio talk show called Talk Rodeo. It is a three minute a day, five days a week, show in which he discusses the biggest names in rodeo.

Barton has two grown daughters living in Missouri and Tennessee, as well as five grandchildren. When asked about his family, Mr. Barton said, “Out of all the things I have done in my life, being a Dad and Grandpa is what I’m most proud of.”