University appoints Dr Matthew Andrews as new Secretary and Registrar

Dr Andrews brings more than two decades of senior leadership experience across the higher education sector, spanning governance, academic administration, student experience and widening participation. He joins Hertfordshire from the University of Gloucestershire, where he currently serves as Chief Operating Officer and Pro Vice-Chancellor Student Experience. In this role, he leads a wide portfolio of professional services, including Libraries & Student Support, Student Wellbeing, Sport & Active Life, Academic Registry, Estates & Facilities, IT Operations & Security, and Digital Services. He also serves as Secretary to Council, overseeing governance and regulatory compliance.

Before joining Gloucestershire in 2016, Dr Andrews was Academic Registrar and Director of Academic and Student Affairs at Oxford Brookes University. He began his career at Durham University, where he held leadership roles including Director of the Graduate School and Director of Undergraduate Recruitment, contributing to key initiatives that strengthened student access and academic pathways.

Beyond his institutional roles, Dr Andrews has served on the executives of multiple professional associations, including membership of the executive of the Association of Heads of University Administration. He has also sat on editorial boards for academic journals in the UK, US and Australia, and chaired the Perspectives editorial board. He is a Fellow of the Association of Higher Education Professionals.

He holds degrees in Philosophy and Social Research and is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. He completed his doctorate at Oxford University, focusing on nineteenth‑century higher education. His book, Universities in the Age of Reform, 1800–1870, explores the origins of the modern university system.

Speaking about his appointment, Dr Andrews said:

“I’m delighted to be joining the University of Hertfordshire and look forward to meeting colleagues across the University. I’m excited about the opportunity to support the work already underway and to help the University – its staff, students and partners – continue to thrive.”

Professor Anthony Woodman, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire, said: 

“We are hugely looking forward to welcoming Dr Andrews to the University of Hertfordshire. He brings exceptional experience in governance, academic administration and student experience, and a strong commitment to widening participation. I look forward to working with him as we continue to strengthen our leadership team and deliver on our ambitions for our students, staff and partners.”

Dr Andrews succeeds Sharon Harrison-Barker, who retires in April after more than 20 years of outstanding service at Herts.