Trustee Area 1

Julie Beechinor-Towse – Area 1

First Appointed: 2023

Mrs. Towse is a Professor of Animal Science at Bakersfield College, where she teaches animal science courses, advises the Bakersfield College Rodeo Team and Rodeo Club, and serves as Faculty Lead for Early College, helping expand dual-enrollment and agricultural education opportunities throughout Kern County.

Prior to Bakersfield College, Mrs. Towse spent more than 20 years in agricultural education, including 15 years at Frontier High School, where she built one of the region’s most successful agricultural education and FFA programs, growing membership to more than 450 students and earning national recognition for excellence.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Towse has received numerous honors, including Kern County Teacher of the Year, California Agriscience Teacher of the Year, California Ag Advisor of the Year, and the California Agriculture Teachers Association Teacher of Excellence award. She was also selected to receive the prestigious Honorary American FFA Degree for her outstanding commitment to agricultural education and the FFA, becoming only the second teacher in Kern High School District history to receive such recognition at that time.

A third-generation cattlewoman and lifelong Area 1 resident since 1982, Mrs. Towse is passionate about Career Technical Education and hands-on learning that prepares students to become active leaders in their communities and industries. She remains actively involved her family’s cattle operations, as well as, serving local organizations including Kern County Cattle Women, California Cattlemen’s Association, the Kern County Fair Livestock Committee, the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, and the California Agriculture Teachers Association. Mrs. Towse is committed to putting students and families first by supporting educational opportunities, career pathways, and student success throughout Kern County.