RALEIGH, N.C. -- A North Carolina native with extensive experience in both education governance and Republican politics is the next president of the state community college system. 

The community college board voted Tuesday to hire Peter Hans, who previously served on the University of North Carolina Board of Governors and was its chairman for two years this decade. He also worked for U.S. Sen. Lauch Faircloth and then-Rep. Richard Burr, as well as for Elizabeth Dole's successful 2002 U.S. Senate campaign.

Even with GOP credentials, Hans was praised at a news conference by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who called him the right choice to lead the 58-college system. Senate leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore also heartily endorsed Hans.

Hans says the community colleges are underestimated by some but can make the dreams of citizens to succeed come true.