Alan Shepard will remain in Western University’s top job until 2029.
The University’s Board of Governors unanimously agreed to appoint Shepard to a second term as president. That means he will lead the post-secondary institution until June 30, 2029.
“Alan’s leadership style reflects the best of the Western community. He is well known for connecting on a personal level with students, faculty, staff and alumni through open and engaging communication,” said Board Chair Keith Gibbons. “His deep knowledge about and belief in higher education, his vision, his energy, and his passion to achieve excellence will continue to be invaluable assets for the university.”
Shepard was originally named Western’s 11th president and vice-chancellor in 2019.
“I am inspired every day by the tremendous talent and dedication of our faculty, staff, alumni and, most especially, our students. I’m looking forward to what we can accomplish together over the next seven years,” said Shepard.
During his first four years, Shepard helped create new strategic and research plans for the university. Billed as “ambitious” the research agenda commits to building capacity for world-changing, interdisciplinary research, which has attracted record research funding. He has also strengthened Western’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization through the creation of new leadership roles in EDI and Indigenous Initiatives and pumping more funding into the recruitment of Black and Indigenous faculty and scholarships.
Shepard’s appointment to a second term follows extensive consultation over several months undertaken by a presidential review committee of the board made up of students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
