Dr. Ryan Blanton
OSU Photo
(OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla., April 24, 2026) — The OSU/A&M Board of Regents has named Dr. Ryan Blanton as interim president of Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU), effective July 1, 2026. He will serve in this role while the regents plan a search for the university’s next president.
Blanton has been a key member of the OPSU leadership team since 2017 and currently serves as vice president of advancement and interim student affairs. He previously served as vice president of operations and vice president of outreach. Throughout his tenure, he has led major institutional initiatives focused on student success, external engagement and operational modernization.
“Oklahoma Panhandle State University is a key part of the OSU/A&M System’s efforts to expand access to a high-quality education for students from all backgrounds,” said Rick Walker, chair of the OSU/A&M Board of Regents. “With more than 16 years of experience at OPSU and other OSU/A&M institutions, Dr. Blanton is the ideal candidate to ensure continuity of leadership during the regents’ search.”
As a senior leader at OPSU, Blanton has played a central role in strengthening the university’s financial position and expanding opportunities for students, working closely with campus leadership, faculty, staff and external partners. Together, these collaborative efforts have secured more than $50 million in external funding since 2017 through federal and state grants, private philanthropy and strategic partnerships.
He has also led significant operational and infrastructure initiatives in partnership with campus and community stakeholders, strengthening regional and statewide collaborations to support workforce development and educational access across the Oklahoma Panhandle. Recent collective efforts have helped revitalize student life, including co-leading the renovation of the Student Union, restructuring housing and residential life, and building a robust student activities program.
“I am grateful for the board’s confidence and trust in asking me to serve OPSU during this important transition,” Blanton said. “As my family and I prepare for our next chapter together, I am honored to step in and help lead the university through the presidential search and support the selection of its next president. I remain committed to working alongside our campus community, prioritizing student success, continuing to implement our new campus-wide strategic plan, and to sustaining the university’s momentum.”
“Dr. Blanton and I have always approached this work as a shared commitment to something bigger than ourselves,” said Dr. Julie Dinger, OPSU president.
Dinger is departing OPSU to serve as vice chancellor for academic and student affairs for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education effective July 1.
“When the opportunity arose for me to serve Oklahoma higher education in a new capacity, Dr. Blanton stepping into this role was a natural extension of that shared commitment — not a sacrifice, but a continuation of what we’ve built together at OPSU. Our family is excited for what’s ahead, and we are both deeply committed to ensuring this transition reflects the strength and promise of this university.”
Blanton has been part of the Oklahoma A&M System for more than 16 years, including prior leadership and teaching roles at Connors State College. He holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Arts, and a Doctor of Philosophy in linguistic and medical anthropology from the University of Oklahoma.
He is actively engaged in local and statewide leadership, having served as president of the Guymon Chamber of Commerce and chair of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Economic Development Council. He currently serves as chair of the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma and is a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma Class 37 and a third-generation veteran who served in the U.S. Army.
About OPSU
Oklahoma Panhandle State University is a public university committed to access, academic excellence, and regional service. Located in Goodwell, Oklahoma, OPSU serves students from a wide range of backgrounds, with a strong emphasis on rural and first-generation learners. With career-focused programs in agriculture, business, education, nursing, science, and the liberal arts, OPSU offers a personalized learning experience grounded in small class sizes and close faculty support. The university is guided by the values of grit, collaboration, accountability, and a deep belief in the transformative power of education. These principles shape our commitment to student success and drive our impact on the communities we serve.
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