North Dakota State President

Derek Sporbert a native of North Dakota by way of Anchorage Alaska, where he spent a good part of his childhood.  He graduated from Thompson High School in Thompson, ND in 1995.  Derek attended the University of North Dakota and graduated with a Bachelors of Business and Public Administration, Information Systems in 2002.  In 2005 he graduated with his Masters of Business Administration from the University of North Dakota.

Derek’s work experience has been varied.  He started out life as a carpenter and heavy equipment operator, which convinced him he needed to stay in college!  During college he had the opportunity to take a break, and work for an art company in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, where he gained invaluable experience.  Derek had the opportunity to work with international art distributors, web design, and production.  He started work for the University of North Dakota TRIO programs in 2002 as a “Techie”/assistant.  He became an advisor with the EOC program in 2003, and the Assistant Director in 2007.  Derek teaches a Humanities class at UND, as well as teaching education classes in technology for the Grand Forks School District.  He has served North Dakota ASPIRE on conference planning committees, State Initiative Chair, and President.

Currently Derek resides with my wife and two children in Grand Forks.  During his “free time” he builds furniture for his family business in town.  He and his family enjoy all Sioux sports (but especially hockey!), traveling, spending time at the lake, and home remodeling.