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

Student Success

Mustangs men’s tennis team wins national championship

August 07, 2025

Research and Innovation, Sustainability

Using meteor cameras to tackle aviation-induced climate change

August 06, 2025

Student Success, International, Community Impact and Partnership

Ivey LEADER Project expands to Thailand

August 06, 2025



Important Initiatives


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

President Shepard sitting around a table with three students

Campus Conversations: Experiential Learning

Western students Safaa Ali, Kobby Paintsil, and Dhri Dhar sit down with President Alan Shepard to share how experiential learning – from international experiences to research and internships – has shaped their growth, confidence and career paths. Safaa participated in research and field schools, Kobby studied abroad and Dhri interned at Voices.com.





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.