Speaking to a packed house in the University Center Rocky Mountain Grand Ballroom during his State of the University Address, University of Northern 黑料社区 (UNC) President Andy Feinstein made it clear from the start that no matter what uncertainties the university faces in the future, UNC will continue to shine. 

Drawing inspiration from a book he read over the summer, Hampton Sides鈥� The Wide Wide Sea, which recounts Captain James Cooks鈥� final voyage, Feinstein says the university is well-equipped to navigate the current uncharted waters of higher education, similar to how Cooks鈥� crew leveraged challenges into opportunities and overcame a big storm. 

鈥淲e are living in uncertain times, but uncertainty does not define us,鈥� Feinstein said. 鈥淧urpose does. Purpose is what keeps us moving forward. It guides every decision, every relationship and every moment of growth.鈥� 

Feinstein addressed the current challenges higher education is facing on the federal and state levels. In particular, he referenced 黑料社区鈥檚 $1.2 billion budget shortfall this year, which led to significant cuts to state agencies and programs. Higher education bore about $12.7 million of those cuts. That, along with federal policies shifting from month to month and the uncertainty about the upcoming budget cycle, Feinstein says, 鈥渢he question whether higher education is 鈥榳orth it,鈥� is being tested in ways we have never seen before.鈥� 

Despite those challenges, Feinstein pointed to several key improvements in student outcomes, including overall undergraduate enrollment growth.  

鈥淲hat makes me most proud is that these outcomes are the result of the hard work of our team: the commitment of our faculty and staff, and above all, the determination of our students,鈥� said Feinstein. 

Knowing how important student success, engagement and enrollment are, Feinstein emphasized that the university鈥檚 top priority is to ensure that every decision, program and opportunity keeps the students front and center. 

鈥淪tudents First is not a strategy, it鈥檚 an experience,鈥� Feinstein said. 鈥淚 love walking through our dining halls, sitting down with students over a meal, sometimes serving them and hearing about their lives. They are the most meaningful experiences I have.鈥� 

To strengthen the student experience, the university plans to: 

• Reinvest in the residential experience to make on-campus housing more affordable.聽
• Launch a program for parents and supporters, as they play a key role in helping students succeed.聽
• Build more programs like Bears First, initiatives that set students up with resources that help them build a strong foundation for their UNC journey.聽

An avenue that students are already benefiting from is the university鈥檚 new Carnegie R2 designation for 鈥渉igh research activity,鈥� placing UNC among the top 6% of universities nationwide.  

鈥淭his directly benefits our students, because at UNC, undergraduates don鈥檛 wait until graduate school to join faculty in labs, classrooms and community projects; they are doing it now,鈥� Feinstein said. 鈥淭hat hands-on experience gives them a competitive edge, connects them with mentors and prepares them to lead in their careers and communities.鈥� 

Feinstein says the university will continue to introduce guiding principles to ensure student-facing initiatives will be kept at the center of budget decisions, including tangible improvements that support the infrastructure that boosts teaching, learning and connection.  

Examples include UNC鈥檚 new website, which will launch later this fall, that will enhance engagement with students, families and the community. He also referenced a $5 million grant from the state that will allow the university to update technology and expand wireless infrastructure across campus and $4 million in funding that will go toward facilities maintenance.

In addition to student-facing initiatives, Feinstein also affirmed his commitment to continue to enhance and invest in UNC employees. Despite the difficult budget environment, all faculty and staffreceived raises last year, and in January, the university committed to a 3% increase for professional administrative staff and faculty. Also, for the fourth consecutive year, the university absorbedthe rising cost of health insurance premiums rather than passing it on to employees.

鈥淭hese aren鈥檛 just budget choices, they are expressions of our values because when we prioritize our people, we strengthen the student experience and keep UNC moving forward,鈥� Feinstein said.  

The outside of campus will also see improvements. Working with the City of Greeley, Feinstein mentioned the construction and redevelopment of a public park around 20th St. and 10th Ave. that creates a water-conscious environment. Across the street, the final beam was recently placed at the proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine, marking a major milestone for the building. And on 16th St., new outdoor dining, gathering spaces and a traffic circle are being built, expanding the services for UNC faculty, staff, students and neighbors. 

鈥淢y vision is simple: I want to walk from our university campus into downtown Greeley and see students, faculty and community members shopping, dining and gathering in a vibrant, active space,鈥� Feinstein said. 

Another top priority for Feinstein is keeping UNC accessible. In that, the university will be forming a Presidential Hispanic Advisory Board that 鈥渨ill ensure the voices of our Hispanic community are heard loud and clear.鈥�

Feinstein thanked the key leaders at the university who have always committed to making UNC a place where belonging matters.

鈥淲hat truly matters is simple: treating people fairly, caring about one another and creating environments where everyone can thrive. That is the work we鈥檝e been doing, and that is the work we will continue to do,鈥� Feinstein said. 

On a personal note, Feinstein shared two big accomplishments he recently achieved. In July, he and his wife, Kerry, summited Mt. Sneffels. It was the final 黑料社区 14er the pair set out to summit in honor of their late son, Nick. During the trip, the pair brought along Nick鈥檚 hiking boots and ashes and were met with a sign of hope 鈥� a double rainbow stretched across the sky at the top of the mountain, creating a bittersweet, emotional and deeply meaningful moment.  

Feinstein also shared that he was invited to serve as the 2025-26 Walter. J. Conti Visiting Professor at Penn State University鈥檚 School of Hospitality Management, where he received his doctorate. He鈥檒l travel to Penn State twice during the academic year, presenting to students and guest lecturing. 

鈥淭o be in this role is humbling,鈥� Feinstein said. 鈥淚t feels like coming full circle: sharing the lessons of my career, amplifying UNC鈥檚 story and inspiring the next generation of leaders.鈥� 

So, while challenges in higher education still lie ahead, Feinstein celebrated the milestones that affirm UNC is building momentum and opening new doors.  

He concluded his address with words of gratitude for faculty and staff, students, alumni, donors, trustees and partners, 鈥渢he future is bright because of how we face it, together.鈥�