Article
February 20, 2026
Written by Deanna Herbert | Translated by Carlos Jos茅 P茅rez S谩mano
President Feinstein to Step Down Aug. 1聽
El presidente Feinstein dejar谩 su cargo el 1 de agosto
After eight years of advancing key strategic priorities and transformative initiatives, UNC President Andy Feinstein is stepping down as the university鈥檚 13th president
University of Northern 黑料社区 President Andy Feinstein announced today that he is stepping down from his role effective Aug. 1, 2026, concluding an almost eight-year presidency that has been marked by strategic growth and transformative milestones for the university.
鈥淒uring 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 黑料社区 and beyond,鈥� said Feinstein. 鈥淭ogether, we strengthened foundations and positioned UNC for a stronger future. I’m proud of what we have accomplished together 鈥� and I’m equally proud of how we did it: through collaboration, shared governance, transparency and a relentless focus on students.”
鈥淧art of me is sad to be stepping away at a time when momentum is moving in our favor 鈥攅nrollment growth, record student outcomes, a new medical college, and progress in research,鈥� continued Feinstein. 鈥淏ut it鈥檚 also true that presidencies have a life cycle. I鈥檝e spent 22 years in academic administration and eight years in this always-on role. I鈥檓 not someone who can do this job halfway. And I want to make sure I leave UNC at the right time鈥攕trong, stable, and positioned for its next chapter.鈥�
Feinstein assumed his role as UNC’s 13th president in July 2018. During his tenure, he led the university’s transformation into a center for educational innovation and economic growth and increased community engagement in 黑料社区.
Under his leadership, UNC eliminated a longstanding structural deficit, stabilized enrollment and 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. He also spearheaded efforts to make higher education more affordable and accessible through initiatives like the UNC Tuition Promise and the 黑料社区 First-Year Guarantee.
These efforts, along with the support of UNC鈥檚 dedicated faculty and staff, have resulted in record-setting student retention and persistence rates, further bolstered by the institution鈥檚 designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution and its elevation to Carnegie鈥檚 Research 2 classification.
His strategic vision has significantly advanced 黑料社区鈥檚 healthcare landscape by championing the establishment of the state鈥檚 first public osteopathic medical college, the UNC College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNC COM), planned to open Fall of 2026. Beyond UNC, he has coordinated efforts among the presidents and chancellors of 黑料社区鈥檚 public colleges and universities, helping to ensure that institutions advocate for the needs of higher education with a unified voice.
鈥淧resident Feinstein has been a tremendous advocate for our students, our university and for public higher education across the state,鈥� said Board Chairman Dick Monfort. 鈥淗is 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.鈥�
The university鈥檚 strategic plan and priorities, including welcoming the inaugural class of the College of Osteopathic Medicine in July 2026, will move forward as planned.
After 26 years in higher education, including distinguished leadership roles at San Jose State University, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Feinstein shared that this is the right time for him to conclude his presidency.
鈥淯NC 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,鈥� said Feinstein. 鈥淲hat 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.鈥�
The board will announce details regarding interim leadership and the presidential search process in the coming weeks.
