Peter Hans

Peter Hans is the seventh president of the University of North Carolina (UNC) System. As a first-generation college graduate, he is committed to providing accessible, affordable, high-quality educational opportunities for all. Hans took the helm in August 2020, guiding the UNC System through the pandemic and, at the same time, enacting policy reforms designed to broaden student access, boost affordability, and expand student mental health services.

Previously, Hans served as the ninth president of the North Carolina Community College System. During his tenure, the system increased visibility, enrollment, completion rates, public funding, private support, and business partnerships.

Hans was elected by the legislature to the State Board of Community Colleges (1997–2003) and UNC Board of Governors (2003–2015), where he was chosen by peers for leadership roles and fought for streamlining the transfer of student credits.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts from UNC-Chapel Hill and a Master of Liberal Arts in extension studies from Harvard University (MA).