Dr. Fred Dierksen has served as USD 376 superintendent for ten years. His career spans 31 years in public education. Fred came to Sterling in 1997 as the grade school principal, having held that position for six years. His work experience also includes fifteen years at Jetmore, Kansas. There he was the sixth-grade teacher and a three-sport coach before becoming the K-8 principal/transportation director for the Jetmore district.

Dierksen graduated from Sterling College (1982) with a Bachelor's Degree in elementary education, received a Masters Degree from Fort Hays State University (1988), and earned an Educational Doctorate from Wichita State University in 2005.

Susan, his wife for the last quarter-century (25 years!), also graduated from Sterling College (1987) where she lettered in three sports and majored in elementary education. She now works as a special education teacher at Sterling Grade School.

Dr. Dierksen and his wife have five children of which one is still in high school. Fred enjoys traveling, biking, weight lifting, and his garage.