Peru State College has announced the planned retirement of its President Dan Hanson and First Lady Elaine Hanson. The Hansons will continuing serving through June 30, 2021.

In a letter to the Peru State community announcing their intentions to retire, President Dan Hanson and First Lady Elaine Hanson wrote, “Serving as President and First Lady for over a decade has been the privilege of a lifetime. Partnering with Peru State’s outstanding faculty, staff, and administrators, completely committed to transforming lives through personal and engaging educational experiences, has been a distinct honor. We can think of no better way to have invested our time and our lives.”

Dr. Dan Hanson is the 33rd president of historic Peru State College. Elaine works closely with him as the college’s first lady. Since their arrival at Peru State in 2009, the college has focused on improving the student experience through essential engagement.

Hanson oversees more than 160 employees and a student body of 2,400+. His purview includes the Peru State College Foundation, nine NAIA Division I athletic teams, the Campus of a Thousand Oaks Nebraska Statewide Arboretum and the College’s innovative mix of traditional and online, graduate and undergraduate programs of study.

The Nebraska State College System will conduct a national search to replace President Hanson.