President – UNC System

THE UNC SYSTEM PRESIDENT Peter Hans

Peter Hans became the seventh president of the University of North Carolina in the summer of 2020. Under his leadership, the University has kept a calm and consistent focus on the core priorities of low tuition, reduced student debt, and higher graduation rates.

Through a challenging era for higher education, the UNC System has held steady in its support of free inquiry, academic excellence, and broad, bipartisan investment in public universities. A concise strategic plan, strong performance incentives, and a push for operational efficiency have kept costs low and delivered real progress in access and student success.

As a first-generation college graduate, President Hans has championed policy reforms to increase financial aid, improve student mental health, and bolster enrollment amid changing demographics. During his presidency, the UNC System has made record investments in the repair and renovation of campus facilities, reaching adult learners, and strengthening rural health care & nursing education.

Hans was elected to the State Board of Community Colleges (1997-2003) and UNC Board of Governors (2003-2015). On both Boards, he was chosen by peers for leadership roles and fought for streamlining and easing the transfer of student credits, a critical reform he has continued to promote as President.

Previously, Hans served as the ninth president of the North Carolina Community College System, as a senior policy advisor to three members of the United States Senate, and an advisor on public affairs at a major law firm. Private-sector technology ventures strengthened his view that innovation is essential for both public sector progress and North Carolina’s economic growth.

Hans grew up in the small towns of Southport on the coast and Hendersonville in the mountains. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and a Master of Liberal Arts in extension studies from Harvard University. He loves to travel his home state and the world whenever he gets the opportunity!

PRESIDENT’S STAFF

The President is the UNC System’s chief administrative and executive officer, with complete authority to manage the affairs and execute the policies of the University, subject to the direction of the Board of Governors. The work of the President and Board of Governors is supported by a staff within the UNC System Office.

CONTACT THE PRESIDENT

president@northcarolina.edu

REMARKS AND REPORTS

We remain rooted in our core mission to discover, create, transmit, and apply knowledge. But to serve our students and our citizens, the university of the people must embrace change.
Peter Hans