An advocate for higher education, Ross Paul has helped to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expand access to education in Canada and abroad. He is a former president of Laurentian University and of the University of Windsor, and throughout his career, he has developed and implemented best practices for open learning initiatives. His philosophy and values have influenced post-secondary institutions within Canada and abroad, and have helped to promote access, quality and innovation in higher education. Fostering global learning and development, he has also provided vision, leadership and support to organizations such as the World University Service of Canada, CREAD, and the Optical Regional Advanced Network of Ontario.