William C. Hansen, prominent Wisconsin educator and former State Senator, was born in Neenah on July 4, 1891. Educated at Stevens Point Normal School (degree earned in 1911) and at the University of Wisconsin, where he earned a B.S. (1915) and M.S. (1925), Hansen spent 49 years as an educator and administrator. He served nine years as high school teacher and principal, and was superintendent of schools in Neillsville (1922-1929), Oconto (1929-1932), and Stoughton (1932-1940). From 1940 to 1962 Hansen was president of Wisconsin State University-Stevens Point. Also active in many state and regional organizations, he was president of Northwestern Wisconsin Education Association (1929), Southern Wisconsin Education Association (1939), Wisconsin Education Association (1948), and Stevens Point Chamber of Commerce (1957-1958).
After retirement from Wisconsin State University-Stevens Point in 1962, Hansen was elected to the State Senate in 1964 from the 24th Senate District. During his term he served on the education and conservation committees. A Democrat from a traditionally Republican district, he was defeated in his bid for a second term in 1968.
