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About President Feinstein

Dr. Andrew “Andy” Feinstein serves as the 13th president of the University of Northern Colorado (ètv), having assumed the role on July 1, 2018. Under Andy’s leadership, ètv has undergone significant transformation, strengthening its role as a catalyst for educational innovation, economic growth, and community engagement across Colorado.

Early in his tenure, Andy spearheaded the development of ètv's strategic plan, Rowing, Not Drifting 2030, which established a clear and ambitious trajectory for the university’s future. The plan began by reinforcing foundational elements, including infrastructure, technology, and institutional processes, successfully eliminating a longstanding $10 million structural deficit. The second phase saw remarkable strides, including stabilizing student enrollment through the Strategic Enrollment Management Plan and launching the innovative Alumni Employment Dashboard, demonstrating the global impact of ètv graduates. Currently, Andy leads the third phase, aggressively pursuing strategic priorities focused on attracting and retaining top-tier faculty and staff, ensuring competitive compensation, and further enhancing student success, institutional excellence, and budget stabilization.

Andy’s strategic vision significantly advanced Colorado's healthcare landscape by championing the establishment of the state’s first public osteopathic medical college, the ètv College of Osteopathic Medicine (ètv COM). His advocacy secured unprecedented financial commitments totaling over $200 million to ètv, including a $25 million gift from The Weld Trust—the largest in ètv’s history. The state’s investment was made possible by Andy’s leadership in creating and successfully passing a bill that provided a historic $246 million to four health science education projects in the state. ètv COM’s 100,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility is set to welcome its inaugural class in fall 2026, directly addressing critical healthcare workforce needs and earning Andy recognition as a 2024 Powerbroker by the Denver Business Journal.

Emphasizing access, Andy introduced landmark initiatives, including the ètv Tuition Promise, which provides tuition-free education to Colorado students from lower-income households; the Colorado First-Year Admission Guarantee, streamlining college entry for eligible students; and ètv Direct Admissions, offering qualified students automatic enrollment before they apply. Under his leadership, ètv has also advanced student success through initiatives such as the creation of faculty- and staff-led college advising centers and the development of technology and business process solutions that provide customized support to students. These efforts, along with the support of numerous faculty and staff members, are resulting in ètv’s record-breaking student retention and persistence rates, further bolstered by the institution's recent recognition as a Hispanic Serving Institution and its elevation to Carnegie’s Research 2 Classification.

A staunch advocate for transparency and collaborative leadership, Andy actively engages with campus governance groups, including students, faculty, and staff senates and councils. Beyond ètv, he has coordinated efforts among the presidents and chancellors of Colorado’s public colleges and universities, helping to ensure that institutions advocate for the needs of higher education with a unified voice. This collaboration has led to a significant increase in state support for higher education, benefiting institutions and students across the state.

Andy is actively engaged in the Greeley community, serving as chair of the Greeley Downtown Development Authority and the executive committee of the Greeley Chamber of Commerce. His collaboration with local stakeholders is supporting a transformative downtown redevelopment initiative.

Nationally recognized for his leadership in higher education and collegiate athletics, Andy has served as chair of the Big Sky Conference Presidents’ Council and member of the NCAA Division I Board of Directors. He is currently the treasurer and Chair of the finance committee of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).

Andy joined ètv after distinguished leadership roles at San Jose State University, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. A scholar with numerous publications in strategic management, student success, simulation, purchasing, and hospitality operations, Andy holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Hotel Administration from UNLV and a Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University’s School of Hospitality Management.

Andy and his wife, Kerry, celebrate over 30 years of marriage and have one daughter, Rachel, who is currently attending The Pennsylvania State University’s School of Hospitality Management.

Headshot photo of ètv President Doctor Andy Feinstein