In the beginning of 2026, ATN Universities ushered in a new era with the arrival of our new Executive Director, Dr Andy Marks.
What better way for the ATN Universities community get to know the new head of our organisation than through an interview? Our student intern Marnie Dwyer asked Andy about his life and career, ranging from his early days in the Australian music scene, to his experience working at ATN Universities so far.
Andy joins ATN Universities with a resume filled with experience. From working as a Senior Researcher, to founding his own firm, Third Album Advisory, he brings his unique knowledge and expertise to ATN Universities.
Reflecting on his career thus far, Andy said that the experience has shaped how he approaches his new role at ATN Universities. “The common denominator across all of these roles is the importance of listening. That’s how I’ll shape my contribution to the ATN. I want to hear, capture, and further the ambitions of our member universities. That’s how, together, we can influence the policy, funding, and investment decisions that matter to them.”
“The common denominator across all of these roles is the importance of listening. That’s how I’ll shape my contribution to the ATN.”
Although he is new to ATN Universities , Andy has already developed a strong sense of the organisation. When asked what ATN does well that others in the sector should pay attention to, Andy had a positive outlook. “[ATN is] solutions focused. That sounds simple but is vitally important at a time when the role of universities in wider society is under scrutiny.”
“The optimism and energy of the member vice chancellors is remarkable given the challenges the sector has endured of late.”
Andy has found himself already feeling at home working alongside the ATN Universities team, saying: “they have been incredibly welcoming and extraordinarily committed to telling the story of the incredible work of our member universities.” Andy also made a point of praising the team’s excellent tips on coffee, pastries and vintage shopping – essential knowledge when navigating Melbourne.
Some may already know of Andy as the drummer for the rock band Crow. Intrepid research undertaken by the ATN Universities office has uncovered that not only is Andy’s band ARIA-nominated, but in the 1990s toured with music greats including Nirvana, Jeff Buckley, Pavement and Sonic Youth. We asked him what this experience brought to his career. “Being part of the music scene has helped me bring my creativity into my professional career. It’s also been handy when I need to perform, capture new audiences, and convince people to come with me on bold, sometimes risky, but rewarding projects.”
With such a broad and diverse career trajectory, we had to ask what felt like his biggest career risk. Andy described to us his decision to drop out of school to tour internationally and follow his passion for music as one of his riskiest yet most valuable decisions of his career. “It was an unbeatable lesson in resilience, creativity, and commitment that set me up for the more conventional career path ahead.”
So what advice does Andy have for students beginning their higher education journey? “Do what you love, not what you’re told to do.” Andy shared his belief that your most rewarding career path is mapped by your passion, not your discipline.
