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, Community Impact and Partnership

Canadian Track & Field Championships at Western in 2027, 2028

June 26, 2025



Important Initiatives




Video Updates

Degrees of change: Higher education’s role in a shifting world | Ivey Impact Podcast

How can post-secondary institutions prepare students – and society – for a future defined by rapid technological shifts, geopolitical uncertainty, and unprecedented global connectivity? Watch my conversation with Julian Birkinshaw, Dean of Western's Ivey Business School, as we delve into these issues and more as part of the Ivey Impact Podcast


Campus Conversations with Student-Athletes

Western student-athletes Jackson Findlay (Football), Favour Okpali (Track and Field) and Pyper Sennecke (Ultimate Frisbee) sat down with President Alan Shepard to share their experiences and insights about balancing varsity athletics with their academic programs, staying well mentally and physically, and their plans for the future.





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.