Marian University, Indianapolis, Indiana
Welcomed in the summer of 2001 as its eighth president, Daniel J. Elsener has devoted his leadership role to transforming what was then Marian College of 1,100 undergraduates into what is now a national doctoral research university serving almost 5,000 students throughout the academic year. The exponential growth, and the breadth and depth of undergraduate and graduate programs, has not only contributed mightily to the quality of education the students of Marian University receive, but it has also served as a powerful force in the advancement in the social, cultural, and economic well-being of the city of Indianapolis, the state of Indiana, nation, and beyond. Marian University’s growth has followed a path illumined by the light of faith and grounded in gospel values that its founders, the Sisters of St. Francis of Oldenburg, instilled in Marian since 1936. President Elsener’s insuperable commitment to Marian’s mission is in achieving excellence in learning through exceptional teaching, research, and scholarly activity that are ensconced in a vibrant community and liberal arts curriculum. Elsener's leadership in faith, values, community, initiating new programs, and service beyond campus boundaries has fueled Marian University’s tremendous growth.
President Elsener’s entire professional life – as a teacher, principal, twice superintendent, Executive Director of the Christel DeHaan Family Foundation, and now as President – has been dedicated to an unflagging commitment to the transformative force that a quality education provides each student served. While President Elsener has been unflagging in his commitment to student success and service to the Marian community, he is also widely recognized for Marian University’s remarkable contributions to advancing human flourishing beyond the campus boundaries.
President Elsener holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Nebraska Wesleyan University, a master’s degree in education administration from the University of Nebraska, further graduate studies at Wichita State University, Kansas State University as well as an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University. He is an active member of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce as Chair of the State Chamber Foundation and involved in leadership roles in many other organizations associated with colleges and universities, faith, and economic development. When called upon, he proudly serves as a consultant and/or speaker on a variety of topics, such as excellence in education, leadership, stewardship, institutional advancement, the importance of family, and the responsibility of leaders to advance the well-being of communities beyond their respective organizations.
When the Indianapolis Business Journal published its “Who's Who” in Health Care and Education in 2011, President Elsener was the only person to be named on both lists. In addition to this, he has received awards from the St. Thomas More Society (2012), the Association of Fundraising Professionals-Indiana (2013), Sagamore of the Wabash (2011, 2015, 2025), Thomas W. Moses Good Scout Award (2017), Junior Achievement of Central Indiana Business Hall of Fame Laureate (2018), Teachers’ Treasures Caring Spirit Award (2019), IBJ’s Indiana 250 Award (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026), Indiana Chamber Workforce Development’s inaugural Dan Elsener Workforce Development Leader of the Year Award (2022), Sertoma Inc.’s Service to Mankind Award (2024), Indiana Chamber's Dynamic Leader of the Year Award (2025), and numerous others.
Dan and Beth Elsener have been united in their efforts to champion education as a vital component for advancing the dignity of each person throughout their 50 years of marriage. The Elsener family is centered on faith, love and service to others, and Dan and Beth strive to include their family of 9 children, along with their children’s spouses, and 39 grandchildren and one great-grandchild in their important educational efforts.
As a couple they have been honored with several prestigious awards for their efforts behind the growth and positive change within the education landscape of Indiana. In 2014 Elseners received the St. John XXIII Spirit of Service Award from Roncalli High School and were chosen as the Community Service honorees for the 19th annual Celebrating Catholic School Values: Scholarship and Career Achievement Awards event, and in 2019 they were named Indiana Living Legends by the Indiana Historical Society.
