Office of the President

Professor Alan Shepard is an accomplished academic leader and scholar of early modern England, literature, science and theatre who is passionate about the future of innovation and the future of universities. He became Western’s 11th President & Vice-Chancellor in July 2019. Read more about President Shepard in his bio.

Speaking & Engagement Requests

New and Noteworthy

Announcements, Research and Innovation

Western launches new Centre for Bioethics

December 09, 2025

International, Research and Innovation

Ivey professor awarded prestigious 2025 Panmure House Prize

December 04, 2025

Entrepreneurship, Student Success

Western empowers entrepreneurs to build businesses that restore

December 04, 2025



Important Initiatives


crowd of students with words All in

All in Campaign
A grand collaboration
for Canada and the world

The Impact Project logo

The Impact Project
Never has a discussion of impact been
more important

icon with hands embracing people

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Promoting, recognizing, celebrating
and engaging various voices around campus

Indigenous Initiatives logo

Indigenous Initiatives
Elevating Indigenous voices
and presence across campus

University College hill

Sexual Violence Prevention
Working to create a campus
culture of safety and respect

entrepreunership logo

Entrepreneurship
Cultivating the spirit of
innovation on campus



Video Updates



Campus Conversations with Student Leaders

Salaamat Toure, Wajd Amin Abuzaid, Farah Kamar, and Saad Ahmad reflect on their leadership journeys at Western. From overcoming imposter syndrome and navigating culture shock to building community and planning for life after graduation, they share how leadership helped them find their voice, build confidence and learn to collaborate with others.



Photo Gallery

President Shepard connects with Western stakeholders across campus, across the local and regional community, across Canada and abroad. This photo gallery is a sample of candid moments with students, faculty, staff, alumni, visiting scholars, community and business leaders, government officials and other important dignitaries who contribute in vital ways to Western’s dynamic academic environment.