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, Research and Innovation

Team of Western students wins NASA Space Apps Challenge

January 16, 2025

Research and Innovation, Community Impact and Partnership

Western researchers develop course to boost physical activity at childcare centres

January 15, 2025

Research and Innovation

Western researchers use math to decipher how machine learning works

January 14, 2025



Important Initiatives


The Impact Project logo

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

President's Challenge graphic

The President's Challenge
A competition for students to bring
their brightest ideas to the table

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

At Western, we passionately pursue our purpose and collaborate to drive meaningful impact in the world today.

Alan Shepard with students with video play icon

Campus Conversations: Entrepreneurship

Students Karlie McCullough, Miles Leslie, Ryan Castellarin, Margaret Gleed, and Jade Shi sat down with President Alan Shepard at the Ronald D. Schmeichel Building for Entreprenuership and Innovation to explore their experience with entrepreneurship opportunities at Western. Watch now.





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.