A native of Norfolk, Dr. Andrews graduated from Princeton University and later Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he received his medical and obstetrics/gynecology training. He returned to Norfolk and established an active OB/GYN practice. In the early sixties, he worked to establish the Eastern Virginia Medical School and served as the first Chairman of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department from 1974 until 1990. 

Dr. Andrews was an active civic leader. He served on the Norfolk City Council from 1974 until 2000 and as Mayor from 1992 until 1994. His civic contributions were numerous and included the revitalization of the city's waterfront, the founding of the medical school and development of the downtown Norfolk campus of Tidewater Community College. He was named "First Citizen of Norfolk" in 1968 and served as President of the American Gynecological and Obstetrical Society in 1994.