J. Bryon Test Honored as Alumni Ambassador Hall of Fame Inductee

Goodwell, Okla — Oklahoma Panhandle State University proudly recognizes J. Bryon Test as a 2026 inductee into the Alumni Ambassador Hall of Fame. A lifelong Panhandle resident and influential educator, Test has shaped OPSU’s art program, inspired generations of students, and enriched the region’s cultural landscape for nearly three decades.

Born and raised in Guymon, Test grew up exploring the prairies, fields, and wildlife that would one day define his artistic voice. After graduating from Guymon High School in 1977, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1981. He later returned home to begin his professional art career and raise his family, displaying his wildlife and waterfowl paintings across festivals and exhibitions throughout the Midwest.

Test received national recognition early in his career. His artwork was selected for the Florida Waterfowl Stamp in 1989, fulfilling a personal goal of winning a duck stamp competition before age 30. In 1991, Kansas Ducks Unlimited commissioned him to create their waterfowl stamp design. For more than a decade, his work consistently ranked among the top entries in state and national competitions.

In 1995, Test’s life and career took a new direction when he joined the faculty at Oklahoma Panhandle State University. As the founding member of the art department, he built the program from the ground up and later earned his Master of Arts Degree from West Texas A&M University in 2000. Through his teaching, mentorship, and passion for the arts, he created a home where students could develop their skills and discover their creative paths.

Beyond the classroom, Test has made an extraordinary impact on the arts community of the Oklahoma Panhandle. He partnered with colleagues and former students to establish ARtist Incubation, Inc., which led to the creation of the Soaring Eagle Gallery in 2002 and the Wild Horse Gallery in 2003. In 2005, he received the Governor’s Arts Award for Education in recognition of his contributions to arts education and community development

Test is also the founder of the Paul Farrell Memorial Art Auction, which has raised more than $300,000 in scholarships for OPSU art students. Now entering its twentieth year, the auction continues to directly support student success and ensure future generations have access to artistic opportunities.

University President Dr. Julie Dinger shared, “Bryon has made a lasting impact on Oklahoma Panhandle State University and on the cultural life of our region. His commitment to students, his leadership in building the art program, and his belief in the power of the arts reflect the very best of OPSU. We are deeply grateful for his decades of service, creativity, and dedication to the Panhandle.” 

Director of Alumni Relations, Shawn Joy, added, “Bryon’s impact reaches far beyond the campus. He has uplifted students, strengthened community partnerships, and helped make the arts an essential part of life in our region. His induction into the Alumni Ambassador Hall of Fame is well deserved.”

Test continues to live in Guymon with his wife, Kelli. His legacy at OPSU reflects a lifetime of creativity and service to others.

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.