Dr. Andrew “Andy” Feinstein became the 13th president of the University of Northern Colorado on July 1, 2018. As president, Andy has spearheaded transformative initiatives to strengthen the university's impact in Colorado.

During his first year as president, Andy initiated a collaborative process to articulate a new shared direction for UNC, which led to the creation of the university’s ten-year strategic plan, Rowing, Not Drifting 2030. The first phase of the plan focused on building a strong foundation by investing in the people, processes, technologies, and tools necessary to support efforts in subsequent phases. The second two-year phase built on the foundational work and led to significant accomplishments across each institutional priority. Now in the third implementation phase, Andy is leading UNC in realizing a bold set of strategic priorities to ensure the university continues its strong trajectory of success. 

Under Andy's guidance, UNC has made remarkable progress toward establishing Colorado's first public osteopathic medical college, addressing critical healthcare workforce needs and earning him recognition as a 2024 Powerbroker by the Denver Business Journal. This includes securing a $25 million transformational gift from The Weld Trust and an historic investment by the state of Colorado of nearly $170 million to support construction, startup, and accreditation expenses. In total, Andy has led UNC to raise over $200 million for the project.

Central to his “Students First” vision, Andy's leadership for the establishment of the UNC Tuition Promise, which offers free tuition to Colorado high school graduates from families earning under $65,000, and the Colorado First-Year Admission Guarantee, which qualifies eligible students for automatic admission, expanded access to higher education for students from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, Andy led UNC to achieve federal designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution, reflecting his commitment to inclusivity and support for all students.

Throughout his presidency, Andy has sought to enhance the fundamental characteristics and commitments that make UNC a great place to live and learn. As UNC’s president, Andy has recommitted the university and its leadership to design and activate new approaches that honor and celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that the university sustains a nurturing and supportive environment where all students, faculty, and staff thrive.

Emphasizing transparency, communication, and collaborative decision-making, Andy meets frequently with the Student Government Association, Faculty Senate, Professional Administrative Staff Council, Classified Staff Council, and other organizations serving UNC’s students, faculty, and staff. He also regularly travels throughout the state to meet alumni and friends, higher education leaders, legislators, and policymakers.

His positive influence over higher education in Colorado extends well beyond UNC. Through an active agenda to coordinate efforts among the presidents and chancellors of Colorado’s public colleges and universities, Andy has helped to ensure institutions advocate for the needs of higher education with one voice. The result has been increased state support for higher education — benefitting institutions and students across the state.

Andy is an active member of the community and serves on the executive committees of the Greeley Chamber of Commerce and the Greeley Downtown Development Authority. His national leadership includes serving on the board of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the Big Sky Conference Presidents’ Council, which he chaired from 2020 to 2022. He previously served on the NCAA Division I Board of Directors.  

Andy came to UNC from San Jose State University, where he served as provost and senior vice president. Before that, he served in roles including professor, department chair, associate dean, dean, and senior advisor to the president at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. He has published numerous journal articles and books on topics such as student success, strategic management, simulation modeling, purchasing, and foodservice operations. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Hotel Administration from UNLV and a Ph.D. from The Pennsylvania State University.