Cape Fear Community College trustees have picked Amanda Lee as the college's next president, the school announced Friday afternoon.

“Cape Fear Community College is an exceptional institution, and it is my great honor to be able to serve its students, employees and the community in this role,” Lee said in a news release.

The board's decision, which was unanimous, heads to the N.C. State Board of Community Colleges for final approval, the release stated.

Lee, previously vice president for instructional services for CFCC, has served as interim president since the resignation of former college head Ted Spring in January.

A lawsuit Spring filed against the school trustees about his departure is pending in federal court. Spring argues that he was forced into resigning and is asking for damages and reinstatment.

Lee was among four finalists who interviewed for the position earlier this week. The other candidates were: David Brand, senior vice president and chief academic officer at Fayetteville Technical Community College; Quentin Johnson, vice president for student support services at Guilford Technical Community College; and Matthew Meyer, associate vice president of STEM innovations and strategic planning for the N.C. Community College System.

“We are confident we have made an excellent choice for CFCC and for the Wilmington community,” Jason Harris, CFCC Board of Trustees chairman, said in a news release. “Dr. Lee is a strong, respected leader. She has the right skill set and experience for the job as well as an amazing vision for the college. We look forward to working with her and expect great things.”

Lee began working at CFCC in 2003 as an instructor. She earned a bachelor's degree in telecommunications and master's degree in communication studies from Baylor University in Texas. She receieved a doctorate degree in communication arts from Regent University in Virginia.