Paul Byrne was the President & CEO of Grant MacEwan University from 1997-2011. Paul's career has also seen him in leadership positions at three public post-secondary institutions in Canada as well as work in the private sector with General Motors.
Dr. Byrne's academic credentials include a PhD from the University of Alberta, a Masters of Education from the State University of New York, a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction from Brock University, and certificates from Ryerson University and the League for Innovation. He has completed post doctoral work at Harvard Graduate School and Oxford.
Paul's commitment to enhance access and provide a continuum of learning for learners is a key attribute that he brings to the presidency. He has a strong belief that the soul of a university is the staff and their commitment to serving the needs of students.
Paul is a board member of The Edmonton Police Foundation Board, the Canadian Forces Liaison Council, the Judicial College of Arizona, and two US-based boards. He is Past-Chair of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. In recognition of his community leadership, Dr. Byrne received the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal, the Alberta Centennial Gold Medal, and the Alberta Commemorative Silver Medallion. Venture Magazine named Paul as one of Alberta's 50 most influential people in 2000 and 2004. In April 2006 he received the Paul A. Elsner International Excellence in Leadership Award from the Chair Academy. In October 2009, Paul was installed as the Honorary Colonel of 419 Tactical Fighter Training Squadron, based in Cold Lake, Alberta. Internationally, Paul has participated in projects and activities in India, South Africa, Uganda, Mexico, China, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Ukraine.
Paul will continue serving the Univesity as President Emeritus for the next year.
