Superintendent

Mr. Dicken was appointed as Superintendent of the Vocational-Technical School District of the County of Gloucester on July 1, 2011.

Mr. Dicken graduated from West Chester State College in 1983 with a B.S. in Health and Physical Education. He began his professional career as a Teacher and Counselor at the Glen Mills Schools for Boys in 1984 where he worked with adjudicated young men until 1989. He coached Street Hockey, Tennis, and Soccer while employed at the school.

In 1989, Mr. Dicken was appointed as Teacher of Health and Physical Education at the Y.A.L.E. School. During his tenure at Y.A.L.E. he served as teacher, lead teacher of the Departmentalized Programs at the Cherry Hill campus, Assistant Director of Professional Development for the entire District, and as the Principal of the Williamstown Campus. During this time, Mr. Dicken gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in educational leadership, behavior management, and special education practices and procedures. He was the recipient of the Ruth K. Newman Award for Excellence to teaching professionals in the area of Special Education in NJ. The award is named after Ms. Ruth K. Newman, a pioneer in establishing private-school education for disabled youngsters.

Mr. Dicken was hired by the Gloucester County Special Services School District in 1999 and was initially assigned to the Challenge Program as a Program Manager. After attaining his Master of Arts Degree in School Business Administration from Rowan University in 2000, he became Assistant Principal at the Bankbridge Regional School. Since joining the Special Services School District, Mr. Dicken has been the Principal of the Bankbridge Regional School, Bankbridge Elementary School, Bankbridge Development Center, and the Alternative School. He has been involved in the development of the Special Services School District and the Gloucester County Educational Campus.

In 2008, Mr. Dicken was appointed to the position of Assistant Superintendent for the Special Services and Vocational-Technical School Districts and held that position until his appointment as Superintendent in 2011. With over 40 years of professional experience, Mr. Dicken has dedicated his career to helping students reach their individual goals and dreams. He is passionate about his work with students, fellow educators, administrators, and community members.

Mr. Dicken holds numerous certifications including; Teacher of Health and Physical Education in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Supervisor, Principal, School Business Administrator Certificate of Eligibility, and Chief School Administer. He is the former President of the Gloucester County Superintendents’ Roundtable, the former Treasurer and President of the New Jersey Council of County Vocational School Superintendents, a member of the Gloucester County Workforce Development Board, the Advisory committee to the Tri-County Athletic Conference, and is a member of numerous professional organizations.

Mr. Dicken was raised in Pennsauken N.J. and is a 1978 graduate of Pennsauken High School. He has been a resident of Deptford Township for nearly 30 years. Mr. Dicken has been married to his wife Karen for 38 years and is the proud father of two adult sons Matthew and Michael.