Daniel H. Hanson ’77
Urbandale, Iowa

Though he spent only two years at Wartburg College after earning his associate degree at Waldorf College, Daniel Hanson certainly internalized the pillars of the Wartburg mission while earning his bachelor’s in elementary education. The themes of leadership, service, faith, and learning all have been hallmarks of his career in higher education and values he has imparted to thousands of students at several institutions.

With his Wartburg degree, Hanson returned to Waldorf as an admission officer, and over the course of 30 years at the institution served in various roles, including associate professor, director of academic computing, and assistant football coach, before becoming vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college in 2002. In his many years at Waldorf, Hanson earned his master’s degree in education and computer science at Mankato State University and began a college teaching career. Later, responding to new accreditation demands, he committed himself to pursuing a doctorate in instructional technology from Iowa State University, which he earned in 1998 while balancing the responsibilities of having a young family and being a full-time professor. He led Waldorf’s development of a management information systems degree program and was elected chair of the faculty, playing an important role in moving the college forward as a baccalaureate-granting institution.

In 2002, Hanson became Waldorf’s vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college. True to his own background as a student in Lutheran higher education, he prioritized service through curricular and co-curricular opportunities, even participating alongside students in many of the activities. As academic dean, Hanson made proactive changes to the faculty governance and communication process.

“Dan’s energy was tireless, as the position he held encompassed the responsibilities of two administrative positions, but through hard work, diligence and commitment he served superbly and created a culture of collaboration,” wrote a Waldorf colleague. “His leadership style exudes confidence, warmth and an openness to ideas, and yet he is not afraid to make difficult decisions.” Other colleagues wrote that Hanson helped to heal the campus culture during very difficult times. “Without his incredible leadership during that time, the college simply may not have survived,” wrote one.

Upon becoming president of Peru State College in Nebraska in 2009, Hanson exuded leadership and service at the state’s oldest college. He and his wife, Elaine, have made it their mission to host every first-year student in their home and model the caring community they wish to create. When the Missouri River in Peru hit record levels in 2019, Hanson rallied the college and community members to join in sandbagging efforts to keep the water at bay. Though floodwaters did break through and overwhelmed essential city services, thanks to Hanson’s leadership, the efforts of relocating students and conserving water were handled with grace and determination. Hanson retired from his post in June 2021, and in his years at Peru State, enrollment had grown to 2,500 students and more than $75 million has been invested in new and renovated facilities.

A man of faith, Hanson shows he is a servant of God by investing in others and volunteering with several local groups wherever his career has taken him. “He tirelessly gives back to a the individuals, organizations and the larger communities that he serves,” wrote a colleague.