James Otto Hansen

Background

Hansen, James Otto was born on September 21, 1928 in Lead, South Dakota, United States. Son of Harold J. and Lillian (Mattson) Hansen.

Education

Bachelor of Science, Black Hills State College, 1952. Master of Arts, University Northern Colorado, 1956. Doctor of Education, University South Dakota, 1968.

Career

Teacher, principal public schools, Philip, South Dakota, 1952—1955. Superintendent schools Wessingon, 1956—1960, Gregory, 1961—1967, Madison, 1968—1976. Assistant superintendent instruction Pierre, 1976—1977.

Department state superintendent, 1978—1979. State superintendent elementary & secondary education, since 1979. Secretary South Dakota Department Education & Cultural Affairs, since 1985.

Served with United States Air Force, 1946-1949.

Achievements

• James Otto Hansen has been listed as a noteworthy academic administrator by Marquis Who's Who.

Membership

Member of National Education Association, School Administrators South Dakota (Administrator of Year 1979), Council Chief State School Officers, Elks, Rotary, Kiwanis, Masons, Phi Delta Kappa.

Connections

Married Dora Laura Helmer Hansen, May 28, 1950. Children: Linda Kay Hansen Whitney, Diana May Hansen Buseman, June Doreen.

Father:

Harold J. Hansen

Mother:

Lillian (Mattson) Hansen

Spouse:

Dora Laura Helmer Hansen

child:

Linda Kay Hansen Whitney Hansen

child:

June Doreen Hansen

child:

Diana May Hansen Buseman Hansen