James Hanson
Greetings, Juniors and Seniors. I joined the student life staff in the fall of 2005, after teaching in the Religion Department since 1992. An aspect of teaching I've always immensely enjoyed is getting to know about students' lives outside of the classroom; now that's my job, and I'm very excited about it. I'm here to do anything I can to help juniors and seniors accomplish their academic goals (in healthy ways, of course!), and to help ensure that you leave this place ready to put your ideas into action.
Since joining the Dean's Office I've been amazed to learn of the wealth of resources available to students; it is staffed with people fully committed to the welfare of our students, and there are programs and people for almost any conceivable aspect of students' lives. I strongly urge you to make use of these resources, to get to know your Dean (you needn't wait until you have an issue to come see me or introduce yourself to me), and to know that you have a strong advocate in this place.
Who is this guy?
I grew up in Milwaukee, WI and Moorhead, MN. I attended Pacific Lutheran University (Tacoma, Washington) for two years before transferring to St. Olaf to partake in the Term in the Middle East--an experience that changed my life--and ended up staying here to graduate (Olaf will do that to you). From there I did graduate work at Luther Seminary, Germany (Tübingen), and Princeton, from where I received my Ph.D. in record time (the longest, that is).
My areas of teaching and scholarly interest include the New Testament and early Christianity, Jewish-Christian relations and dialogue, and religion and the arts. Avocational pursuits include music and theater, politics, dogs, aviation (I’m a private pilot), and action figures (come see my collection). I have an amazing teenage daughter, Becca, with whom I love to spend time whenever she’ll have me.
But enough about me. I invite you to come by and see me, whether you have an issue to discuss or not. I love learning about students’ backgrounds, experiences, hopes, and dreams. I look forward to getting to know more of you!
