Nancy Hanson was born and raised in Callaway County. Her parents are Lewis and Janice Baumgartner. Her mother is an interior decorator and her father is best known as “the world’s worst farmer.” He was an after-dinner speaker who traveled around the country sharing stories of life on the farm.
Hanson is involved in several community organizations. She serves on the board for Callaway County Extended Employment, Central Missouri Dream Factory, Fulton Kiwanis and most recently the Fulton Public Schools Foundation. She also is an active member of Central Christian Church.
Hanson graduated from Westminster College with a degree in mathematics and earned a master’s degree in counseling from Stephens College. She taught high school math for several years, but is now a stay-at-home mom.
“Sometimes you have to give up your career to answer your calling,” Hanson said.
Hanson and husband, Keith, have two daughters. Sarah Hanson is a sophomore at College of the Ozarks and Shelby Hanson is a student at Fulton High School.
What was your first job?
Mail & More, Inc., a mail processing facility in Millersburg. I helped label and sort mail, and worked with many friends who I still consider family.
Who inspires you the most?
This is tough. I’m not sure I can pick just one.
Definitely my mother. She is the greatest example of love, service and commitment I have ever encountered. Several years ago, my father had a massive stroke and since then my mother has demonstrated unconditional love so many ways while continuing to be a wife, mother and grandma while adding care taking to her list of duties.
My second choice would be our daughters. Both have had struggles growing up. I am honored to watch Sarah grow into a young adult with so much compassion and patience as she learns to find herself and to be Shelby’s sister. Shelby is inspiring in her own way. Each day is a brand new day for her and she gets up and starts all over again with a plan and a smile.
What have you done that has been most fulfilling?
I feel like my most fulfilling accomplishment thus far is bringing iCan Bike Camp to Fulton. iCan Bike Camp is a week-long camp that teaches individuals with disabilities how to ride a bicycle independently. It is a week of pure joy and celebration. I love how iCan Bike has turned into a program full of volunteers that are invested in the riders and riders that are gaining so many new skills and growing in confidence. The program has grown to add more summer practices and inclusion within our community and so many have learned how to ride a bike. It is such a gift to watch others learn to ride and celebrate with them.
What is something you are proud of that you’ve been recognized for?
I was incredibly humbled and honored to receive the Jane Bierdemann- Fike Humanitarian Award in 2017 and also the J.H. Atkinson Award in 2018.
If you could do any job in the world, what would it be?
I would love to start more adaptive/inclusive projects in our community. I have a ton of ideas.
What is a job you wouldn’t want to do?
I like to think I can do just about anything, but if I’m honest I know I would be pretty worthless in any position that works the night shift. I’m definitely not productive at nighttime.
What is your favorite thing about Callaway County?
I love Callaway County. I’m not sure I could pick one favorite thing. I think farm life and small town life are pretty great. I love going to town and seeing people I know. I love seeing my iCan Bike alumni riding their bikes. I love that my parents are close and everyone helps me keep an eye on them. I love the history. I love the stories. I love the people. Callaway County was a terrific place for me to grow up and I’m honored to raise our children here too.