COMMUNITY
Text and photos courtesy of Rogers Public Education Foundation
Rogers Public Education Foundation Names 2025 Honorees
The 13th annual Wall of Distinction luncheon recognizes new inductees and a Legacy Award recipient
The Rogers Public Education Foundation has chosen two honorees to be added to its Wall of Distinction and a recipient of the 2025 Legacy Award. Also, this year’s event will feature a new format. The ceremony will be held Jan. 31 at the Rogers High School arena during the Rogers Heritage High School vs. Rogers High School basketball games. The ceremony will take place at 7 p.m., between the girls’ and boys’ basketball games.
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A reception will be held prior to the ceremony from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 each and include the reception, a reserved seat and access to the VIP lounge. Proceeds from the event will support the foundation’s mission of enhancing educational opportunities, funding innovative programs and fostering student success in the Rogers School District.
WALL OF DISTINCTION HONOREES
Nancy Swearingen
Nancy Swearingen has dedicated her life to education, community and family, leaving a profound impact on Rogers Public Schools and the Rogers community. She began her journey with Rogers Public Schools as a substitute teacher at Rogers High School during the 1978-79 school year, volunteering as an assistant coach for the girls’ volleyball team.
The following year, she began teaching physical education at Southside Elementary. After taking an extended leave from the position to take care of her three sons, Swearingen returned to Rogers Public Schools in 1989, teaching physical education at Eastside Elementary for seven years. During this time, she worked toward her Master of Education in Educational Administration at the University of Arkansas.
In 1996, she stepped into administration as an assistant principal, serving three schools —Reagan, Lowell and Westside — during her first year. She became the principal of Westside Elementary in 1998, a role she held for 14 years. Under her leadership, Westside Elementary thrived, with Swearingen fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence among staff, students and families. Her dedication to education and her ability to build strong, supportive school communities were hallmarks of her tenure.
Since retiring in 2012, Swearingen has continued to enrich the Rogers community, with her sons returning to raise their families in the community. She remains active as a volunteer for numerous groups and loves spending time with her husband, Jim, and their family.
Dick Trammel
Dick Trammel, a longtime Rogers resident and civic leader, is being honored for his remarkable contributions to Northwest Arkansas and Rogers Public Schools. Trammel graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
After graduating, he returned to his hometown of Pocahontas, Arkansas, becoming a leader in the cotton gin and grain elevator business. In 1970, he co-founded and served as vice president of Planters and Stockmen Bank. His early contributions to the community included serving as president of the Chamber of Commerce, Randolph County Farm Bureau, and the Rotary Club as well as founding director and chairman of the Rolling Hills Country Club and president of the Randolph County Fair Association.
In 1975, Trammel moved to Rogers to join First National Bank & Trust Company, later known as Arvest Bank, as a vice president. Trammel retired from Arvest Bank in 2019 but remains an active member of its board of directors.
Trammel has dedicated his life to local service and was awarded the Outstanding Community Service Award from the University of Arkansas Alumni Association in 2001. He currently serves on the Mercy Foundation Northwest Arkansas Board, Cancer Challenge Board, UAMS Northwest Advisory Board, The Nature Conservancy Board, and is director emeritus for the Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce Advisory Board. He is also an advisor to the HOPE Board and a member of the Rotary Club of Rogers. Trammel and his wife, Nancy, are proud parents of six children and grandparents to 17 grandchildren.
LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENT
Dr. Marlin Berry
Dr. Marlin Berry was a dedicated educational leader whose passion, vision and commitment to student success have left an enduring legacy in Rogers Public Schools and beyond. As superintendent of Rogers Public Schools from 2016 to 2022, Berry’s leadership was marked by a focus on empowering educators, fostering innovation and creating an environment where every student could thrive.
Berry guided the district through significant milestones, including navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership during this time ensured Rogers Public Schools maintained high standards of academic excellence while prioritizing the well-being of students, families and staff. Berry was admired for his ability to connect with people, inspire educators and foster a collaborative culture that continues today.
Before coming to Rogers, Berry served as superintendent in three different Kansas school districts, also holding positions as a high school principal, English teacher and journalism teacher. Berry’s academic journey included earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas, a master’s degree in school administration from Emporia State University, and a doctorate in education policy and administration from the University of Kansas.
While his professional accomplishments are impressive, Berry is best remembered for his integrity, humor and deep care for people. After retiring in 2022, Berry moved to Wichita, Kansas, with his wife, Judy, to be closer to family, including their daughters, Megan and Rachel, son-in-law Aaron, and granddaughter.
