Meet the Board
Jennifer Faddis
President, Zone 2, 2028
Jennifer has had children in Bentonville Schools for more than 16 years. Throughout those years, she has served the district in numerous volunteer roles. Having served in the trenches, she’s able to share with her fellow board members how to better serve parents and teachers. Jennifer is also a licensed professional counselor at Still Waters Family Counseling.
Jennifer’s husband, Lance, is a healthcare professional as well, and together they parent Luke, Sara, Hope and Emma. Jennifer received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Ouachita Baptist University and a Master's Degree in Counseling from the University of Central Arkansas.
Connect with Jennifer
jenniferfaddis@bentonvillek12.org
Tatum Aicklen
Vice President, Zone 5, 2030
Tatum Aicklen began her service to the Bentonville Schools Board of Education in 2022. For years, she has been heavily engaged with the district by serving on the 2021 pandemic district reopening committee, within a number of parent-teacher organization roles and is a staunch supporter of teachers and students.
She and her husband, Michael, are parents to four children: Renshaw, Lily, Annabelle and Henry. Tatum is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a degree in business administration.
Connect with Tatum
tatumaicklen@bentonvillek12.org
Becky Guthrie
Secretary, Zone 4, 2028
Becky Guthrie is a former educator turned current board member. Born and raised in Bentonville, she has watched her hometown flourish under thoughtful leadership. Becky was elected to the board of education in 2022 but taught at Apple Glen Elementary in Bentonville for a decade.
Prior to beginning her career, she studied early childhood education at the University of Central Arkansas where she received her degree. She and her husband, Clay, are parents to three sons: Caleb, Charlie and Cason. Becky is currently a full-time homemaker who enjoys cheering on her husband, her boys and the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Connect with Becky
beckyguthrie@bentonvillek12.org
Bill Akins
At Large, 2028
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.
Willie Cowgur
At Large, 2030
Willie Cowgur is the Bentonville Market President overseeing business development. Willie is in his second five-year term on the Bentonville Schools Board of Education. Born and raised in Bentonville, he has watched the community change significantly and worked hard to steward Bentonville Schools soundly as its population reflects the city’s overall growth.
Willie is a passionate sports enthusiast. His wife, Martha, also a graduate of Bentonville High School, was a basketball standout. Together, they love coaching their children in a myriad of sports. Their children, Cole, Caroline and Will are all students at Bentonville Schools. Willie received his undergraduate degree in history from the University of Arkansas.
Connect with Willie
williecowgur@bentonvillek12.org
Jeremy Farmer
Zone 3, 2030
Jeremy Farmer is a proud Bentonville High School graduate now watching his own children make their way through the district. Daughters Aubrey and Emerson started in Bentonville Schools as kindergarteners.
Jeremy is employed with Launch Marketing where he works in sales and business development. He has served the district and community through leadership roles in his daughters' parent-teacher organizations and is a former president of CASA of Northwest Arkansas.
Connect with Jeremy
jeremyfarmer@bentonvillek12.org
Rachel Nutt
Zone 1, 2030
Rachel Nutt is a proud Bentonville native and graduate of Bentonville High School. She works for her family’s business, Lawson Companies, and holds a degree in Business Administration, having studied at the University of Arkansas and John Brown University.
Rachel and her husband, Brian, have two children—Deacon and Holland—who are both students in the Bentonville school district. She has been actively involved in her community, including serving as treasurer on her children’s school PTO board. She’s excited to be part of the Bentonville School Board, helping to ensure that all students have access to opportunities that prepare them for a bright future.
Connect with Rachel
rachelnutt@bentonvillek12.org