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.