Bill Akins is an honors marketing professor and business instructor at the University of Arkansas. He is also the executive director of a local Chick-fil-A franchise. In addition to teaching, Bill is a lifelong student, holding degrees from California State University, the University of Arkansas, and Stanford University, and is currently pursuing a master's degree in analytics with a focus on AI at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Bill sought a seat on the board of education because of his desire to help translate big ideas into tangible change by enhancing curriculum, increasing access to innovation, and supporting educators with better tools. Serving as a school board member furthers his lifelong commitment to making this region—and its future workforce—extraordinary and inclusive.

Bill has been happily married to his wife, Karen, for over 20 years, and together, they are the parents of two sons, Henry and Oliver, both of whom are students in Bentonville Schools.

Connect with Bill
billakins@bentonvillek12.org

Board of Education

Jennifer Faddis - President, Zone 2, 2028

Tatum Aicklen - Vice President, Zone 5, 2026

Becky Guthrie - Secretary, Zone 4, 2026

Bill Akins - At Large, 2026

Willie Cowgur - At Large, 2026

Jeremy Farmer - Zone 3, 2026

Rachel Nutt - Zone 1, 2026

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