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

International, Research and Innovation

Western to help drive defence research via new global partnership

February 02, 2026

Student Success, Research and Innovation

Engineering alumni lead Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race

February 02, 2026

Community Impact and Partnership, Student Success, Entrepreneurship

Fueling the next generation: Ivey Sports Leadership Conference

January 30, 2026

Important Initiatives

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

All in Campaign
A grand collaboration
for Canada and the world

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

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

Indigenous Initiatives
Elevating Indigenous voices
and presence across campus

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

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.

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