We are pleased to welcome two new leaders to the Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) membership: Ana Serrano, President and Vice-Chancellor of OCAD University, and Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor of Ontario Tech University.
Joining BHER at a pivotal moment for Canada’s economy and talent systems, both institutions bring distinctive strengths that will help advance national efforts to strengthen talent pipelines, improve productivity, and better align postsecondary education with workforce needs.
As Canada’s oldest and largest art and design university, OCADU is a global leader in creative education and research. With a strong focus on applied design, innovation, and real-world problem solving, the university plays an important role in advancing talent and solutions in sectors such as housing, the creative economy, and sustainable development. In 2025, OCADU partnered with fellow BHER member Forum Asset Management to give emerging designers hands-on experience in the evolving housing industry, contributing to more practical and affordable student housing solutions.
“Building Canada’s more productive and resilient economy will require a different kind of talent. At OCAD University, we develop hybrid creative talent: people who can make things with their hands, work fluently with digital tools, think critically, collaborate across disciplines, take feedback, solve problems, and tell compelling stories. As AI reshapes every sector, these human, creative, and practical capabilities will only become more important. We are proud to join BHER and help connect this talent to the industries shaping Canada’s future.”
Ana Serrano, University President and Vice-Chancellor
Ontario Tech University is recognized for its leadership in technology-focused education and industry-connected learning. With a strong emphasis on work-integrated learning and applied research, the university prepares graduates for high-demand fields such as advanced manufacturing, energy, and the digital economy. Through deep partnerships with industry and a commitment to addressing emerging workforce needs, Ontario Tech plays a key role in advancing innovation, productivity, and talent development across Canada.
“Ontario Tech is proud to join BHER at a critical moment for Canada’s talent and innovation agenda. By working together across industry and post-secondary education, we can strengthen work-integrated learning, better align education with workforce needs, and prepare graduates to lead in a rapidly evolving economy. We look forward to contributing to the national dialogue and advancing practical solutions that support long-term prosperity for Canada.”
Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech University
Together, these institutions bring valuable leadership to BHER’s work to scale work-integrated learning opportunities, strengthen collaboration between industry and post-secondary institutions, and support the development of a more responsive and innovative talent ecosystem. Their membership will help inform national conversations on the future of work and learning, including how Canada can close persistent skills gaps and adapt more quickly to technological and economic change.
“OCADU and Ontario Tech University understand the importance of collaboration between business and higher education, and the opportunity we have to work together to build stronger skills and talent systems in Ontario and across Canada. We are thrilled to welcome these two new members and look forward to working together to drive practical solutions and long term impact.”
Valerie Walker, CEO of Business + Higher Education Roundtable
As BHER continues to expand its work with members across the country, including scaling work-integrated learning and advancing new models of industry-postsecondary collaboration, these institutions will play an important role in shaping future initiatives and national dialogue.
BHER membership provides access to exclusive insights, a national network of senior leaders, and opportunities to help shape strategy, policy, and programming at a national level. To learn more about joining BHER, get in touch.