Paul grew up on a wheat and livestock farm near Guthrie, Oklahoma, where he developed a lifelong passion for the beef industry. He earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Animal Science from Oklahoma State University, his Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas, and later an M.B.A. from Southern Arkansas University to broaden his perspective on agricultural business and leadership. Before joining OSU, Paul spent 21 years at the University of Arkansas Southwest Research and Extension Center, including 14 years on faculty. He now serves as Professor and the Dennis and Marta White Endowed Chair in Animal Science at OSU where his work focuses on beef cattle nutrition and management to connect practical research with the real-world challenges producers face to improve profitability and sustainability of beef operations across Oklahoma. Paul and his wife of 34 years, Melissa, live in Stillwater and enjoy visiting their children and grandchildren in Arkansas, North Carolina, and Texas.