President of Peru State College
Dr. Daniel Hanson
Peru State College’s 33rd President
Dr. Daniel Hanson is the 33rd President of historic Peru State College. Since his
arrival at Peru State he has built a strategic vision focused on improving the student
experience through essential engagement.
The six-year plan provides students with exceptional engaged-learning opportunities
and many students have received national awards. The plan also guides the continuing
investment (of more than 75 million dollars) in campus infrastructure to improve the
campus experience for students.
Peru State is seeking to build on high enrollments and excellent accreditation reports
from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the National Council for Accreditation
of Teacher Education (NCATE). Dr. Hanson is leading a new strategic planning process
to expand on these successes and guide the college into another 150 years.
In 2013 a paper Dr. Hanson co-authored, titled the Self-Study as a Strategic Event, was selected for the best paper award at the Higher Learning Commission Annual Conference.
In 2014 he received the Alumni Achievement Award from Iowa State University College
of Human Sciences.
Prior to his arrival at Peru State College, Dr. Hanson served at Waldorf College in
Forest City. His career included service as Director of Academic Computing, Associate
Professor of Computer Information Systems and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Dr. Hanson holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Wartburg College in Waverly,
Iowa; a master’s degree in education and computer science from Mankato State University
in Mankato, Minn.; and a Ph.D. in Instructional Technology from Iowa State University
in Ames, Iowa.
Dr. Hanson is married to his wife of 44 years, Elaine. They have two daughters: Heather,
who is a physical therapist in Des Moines, and Abby, who is an occupational therapist
in Nebraska City.