BROOKINGS – South Dakota State University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dennis Hedge announced Monday that Dan Hansen will serve as the interim dean of SDSU’s College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions. Hansen will replace Jane Mort, who is retiring this month. Hansen’s new role begins June 21.
“Dan has had a long and successful career at SDSU and we are very fortunate to have him serve in this role during these unprecedented times,” Hedge said. “His experience with all of the college’s academic programs and leadership abilities will be true assets as the college navigates the unique challenges and opportunities we currently face. Preparing students to enter the workforce, especially in the health professions, has never been more important. I am confident Dan and the college’s leadership team will keep the SDSU College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions among the nation’s leaders in preparing graduates to enter the workforce and creating new knowledge to improve the health and well-being of our communities.”
Hansen currently serves as the college’s associate dean for student services, a position he has held since 2018. Previously, he was the assistant dean for student services from 2010-18. Hansen’s time at SDSU dates to 2007, when he served as an experiential program manager and assistant professor. He later climbed the ranks to associate professor and then earned full professorship in 2019.
“I am very excited and honored to have this opportunity to lead the College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions at SDSU,” Hansen said. “The college has enjoyed much success over the years through the hard work of our faculty, students and preceptors, and we will continue to capitalize on that momentum. Our students are some of the best prepared in the country and our faculty continue to conduct leading research in critical areas. Our college is ready to tackle today’s greatest challenges and will play an important role in defining what the new normal looks like in the future.”
Hansen earned his Bachelor of Science degree in pharmaceutical sciences from SDSU in 2003 and his Doctor of Pharmacy in 2005. After graduation, he worked as a pharmacist for Walgreens in Milwaukee and Sioux Falls before coming back to SDSU.
SDSU’s College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions continues to rank among the nation’s best for preparing students. The university’s Pharm.D. 2016-2018 graduates led the nation with the highest first-time pass rate on the NAPLEX. South Dakota State graduates recorded a pass rate of 99.1%, compared to a national average of 87.8%. That performance ranked South Dakota State first out of 134 schools.
The college’s growing research portfolio includes cancer treatment, unique drug delivery systems, addiction to drugs and alcohol, cardiovascular health, vaccine technology and interprofessional collaborative care.
