Dr. Alan Shepard is the eleventh President & Vice-Chancellor of Western University. A champion of inclusive, transformative education, he is dedicated to expanding opportunities for students and fostering multidisciplinary research that addresses global challenges. As a first-generation university graduate, Shepard is deeply committed to equity, diversity, and access in higher education.

Throughout his career, Shepard has led initiatives that bridge academia and industry, including the creation of entrepreneurial incubators and innovative partnerships. His leadership roles include serving as President of Concordia University and Provost at Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University). He chaired the Council of Ontario Universities (2022–2024) and has held key positions with the Canadian Knowledge Resource Network, the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities, and various arts, health, and philanthropic organizations across Canada and the U.S.

In 2024, Shepard was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws by Ontario Tech University for his leadership in higher education and advocacy for diversity and innovation. He has held fellowships at the Folger Library and the University of Toronto, studied at Cambridge, earned his bachelor’s degree from St. Olaf College (Phi Beta Kappa), and completed his PhD at the University of Virginia.

His scholarly work explores early modern European culture, focusing on spectacle, national security, scientific discourse, and the evolving role of universities.