In Memorium | 2008 Inductee Dr. James Hansen

2008 South Dakota Hall of Fame Inductee Dr. James (Jim) O. Hansen passed away peacefully at the Avantara Nursing Home on July 5, 2023. We send our condolences to Dr. Hansen’s family at this time and feel honored to continue to share his legacy to inspire generations to come.

Born to a Homestake timber truck driver and a waitress on September 21, 1928, in Lead, SD, Jim Hansen graduated from Spearfish High School in 1946, followed by service to our country in the United States Air Force from 1946-1949. He received his Bachelor's Degree (B.S.) in mathematics and physical science from Black Hills State College in 1952, his Masters's Degree (M.A.) in school administration from the University of Northern Colorado in 1956 and earned the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in school administration from the University of South Dakota in 1968.

Dr. Hansen virtually held every position in the South Dakota scheme of education. Following service in the US Air Force, he committed to a career of service to the SD public school system that spanned twenty-five years. Dr. Hansen was a teacher of mathematics, chemistry, and physics for the Philip School District and later served as High School Principal. He began his role as Superintendent of Schools at Wessington, followed by Gregory, and culminated at Lake Central School District in Madison, where he successfully led a massive school district reorganization process. Dr. Hansen was known as a thoughtful, sensitive, caring professional. During his first superintendence at Wessington, he hired a teacher who was visually impaired. This individual had submitted fifty teacher applications. In later years, this teacher stated, “Dr. Hansen is the one who gave me a start as a teacher; if it hadn’t been for him, I probably would have never been a public school teacher. I found this kind, fair, very intelligent, perceptive superintendent to be made for his position.”

Dr. Hansen joined the South Dakota Division of Elementary and Secondary Education in 1976 and served in the following leadership roles: Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services, Deputy State Superintendent of Schools, State Superintendent of Elementary and Secondary Education and Secretary, State Department of Education and Cultural Affairs, retiring in 1990. He served in these positions under Governor William J. Janklow and Governor George S. Mickelson.

Thousands of South Dakota’s children and youth have been the fortunate recipients of Dr. Hansen’s skillful leadership and vast knowledge regarding “best practices” in education. His expertise included but was not limited to: budget administration, zero-based budgeting, school plant planning and construction, public relations skills, long and short-range planning, school law, P.L. 94-142, Section 504, negotiations, State and Federal legislation, and written and oral communication.

During his tenure with state government, he was involved with numerous education policy efforts including the 1202 Commission and State Planning Bureau and the National Diffusion Network. He served as a representative of the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Dr. Hansen’s membership in numerous professional organizations includes AASA, NEA, SASD, ASCD, SDSSA, Phi Delta Kappa, Kappa Delta Phi, and the Beadle Club. His active participation and leadership resulted in numerous initiatives to improve the quality of education. A retired school superintendent stated, “Dr. Hansen knew us on a first-name basis. His vast experience and vision including his skillful mastery during legislative sessions made us all proud to address him as leader, mentor, and friend.”

His dedication and lengthy service to SD education were recognized by the SDEA and the PTA, both awarding him the “Friend of Education Award.” The Associated School Boards of SD honored him with the “Administrator of the Year” and the prestigious “School Bell Award.” He was the recipient of The University of South Dakota “Outstanding Alumni Award” and the “Outstanding Achievement as an Administrator Award” from Black Hills State College.

Dr. Hansen’s publications include the George S. Mickelson biography, SD Enrollment Guidelines for NCSA, “The Development of Criteria for School District Organization in SD and Application to Gregory Country” (doctoral dissertation), and numerous published articles including a variety of topics regarding education.

During retirement, Dr. Hansen continued to be a champion for preschool through graduate school. Since 1995, he served as a member of the SD Board of Regents. He served as president and repeatedly as chair of two critical committees: Budget and Academic Affairs. A member of the Board of Regents stated, “Dr. Jim Hansen reads every page of the huge volume of materials that Regents receive from the office. He treats people reasonably as the foremost supporter and spokesperson in the State for rigor and accountability in the preschool through higher education public system.”

Dr. Hansen also served as the Regents representative on the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE).

Regarding the SD Retirement System and Dr. Hansen’s involvement, a former State Senator stated, “he was the voice of the teachers in that bill and provided much of the background to assist in the bill’s passage. He worked tirelessly with teachers and public employees testifying before legislative committees.” Dr. Hansen was consistently reelected as an SDRS Trustee since 1992 and also is the liaison to the National Retired Teachers Pension Roundtable. His skills and knowledge contributed to the SDRS being recognized as the best system in the nation providing the highest benefits to public employees. In addition to his service to boards, he was active in the Pierre community, AARPSD, SDRTA, Kiwanis, and the United Church of Christ.

This busy man volunteered his time and efforts to numerous causes. Dr. Hansen was an avid hunter and golfer. A man of honor and integrity, devoted to his family, he and his beloved wife Dora had three daughters, nine grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

South Dakotans are fortunate to have had Dr. Hansen, a total professional, working on their behalf. He was analytical, methodical, and authentic in his quest for academic excellence. Unquestionably, the REAL benefactors are thousands of SD children and adults. “Education shall be revered forever.” Dr. James O. Hansen has contributed immeasurably to the perpetuity of these words.

Dr. Hansen’s Obituary can be found here: Obituary | Dr. James Hansen