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

Entrepreneurship, Student Success

Opinion: Fostering Entrepreneurship makes students more resilient

October 11, 2024

Research and Innovation, Community Impact and Partnership, Diversity

‘Planting seeds’: Western, community partner collaborate to cultivate Indigenous food sovereignty

October 10, 2024

Student Success, Community Impact and Partnership, International

Western engineering students build bridge for rural Eswatini community

October 08, 2024



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

Western University has opened the doors to a new home for entrepreneurially minded students in any discipline: The Ronald D. Schmeichel Building for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

Campus Conversations: Minh Nguyen, Western Computer Science Student

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Watch more of the President's Campus Conversations with students.





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.