UNC president Feinstein to step down Aug. 1

GREELEY — Andy Feinstein, who has served as the 13th president of the University of Northern Colorado for nearly eight years, will step down Aug. 1, he announced Friday.

UNC’s board of trustees will announce details regarding interim leadership and a presidential search process in the coming weeks.

“During my time as president, we have asked important questions about who we are, what we stand for and what UNC must become to best serve Colorado and beyond,” Feinstein said in a prepared statement. “Together, we strengthened foundations and positioned UNC for a stronger future. I’m proud of what we have accomplished together — and I’m equally proud of how we did it: through collaboration, shared governance, transparency and a relentless focus on students.

“Part of me is sad to be stepping away at a time when momentum is moving in our favor — enrollment growth, record student outcomes, a new medical college and progress in research,” he said. “But it’s also true that presidencies have a life cycle. I’ve spent 22 years in academic administration and eight years in this always-on role. I’m not someone who can do this job halfway. And I want to make sure I leave UNC at the right time — strong, stable, and positioned for its next chapter.”

Since Feinstein assumed the presidency in July 2018, UNC established the state’s first public osteopathic medical college, the UNC College of Osteopathic Medicine, which is set to open this fall.

During his term, UNC eliminated a longstanding structural deficit, stabilized enrollment and launched 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, according to a UNC news release. He also spearheaded efforts to make higher education more affordable and accessible through initiatives such as the UNC Tuition Promise and the Colorado First-Year Guarantee, and worked to get the school designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution and elevation to Carnegie’s Research 2 classification.

His term also included a personal tragedy in January 2023, when his 22-year-old son Nicholas was killed in an avalanche near Breckenridge. Andy Feinstein was partially buried in that snowslide.

“President Feinstein has been a tremendous advocate for our students, our university and for public higher education across the state,” UNC board chairman Dick Monfort said in a prepared statement. “His vision and dedication have positioned this institution for long-term success. On behalf of the board, we are deeply grateful for his leadership and commitment to our students and community.”

Feinstein is an honoree for BizWest’s 2026 Most Influential Business Leaders awards, with a celebration scheduled for Feb. 26 at The Forge Event Center in Loveland. 

Before coming to UNC, Feinstein served as dean of the Collins College of Hospitality Management and as the James A. Collins Distinguished Chair and professor at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. While dean, he also served as the chancellor-appointed director of hospitality management education for the entire California State University system.

He joined the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in 1999 as an assistant professor, was promoted to full professor and served as chair of the Department of Food and Beverage Management and associate dean for Strategic Initiatives at the Harrah Hotel College and senior adviser to the president.

He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in hotel administration from UNLV and a Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University.

“UNC has been especially meaningful because of the heart of this place: a campus culture that shows up for students, values community and keeps pushing forward even when the work is hard,” Feinstein said. “What I will carry with me most is the people and the moments: the resilience and energy of our students, the daily dedication of our faculty and staff and the pride and loyalty of our alumni and supporters.” 

The board will announce details regarding interim leadership and the presidential search process in the coming weeks.

Share on Facebook on LinkedIn