Mark Dowlen is the principal of Eagleton College & Career Academy in Maryville, Tennessee. He has been serving in this role since July 2019, following a year as assistant principal at Eagleton Middle School.

Before his administrative roles, Mr. Dowlen was a STEM Coordinator and agriculture education teacher at Heritage High School, where he led the Animal and Veterinary Science Program and advised the FFA chapter.

He holds a bachelor's degree in Agriculture from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (1997-2001), and a master's in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University (2007-2008).

Beyond his professional life, Mr. Dowlen is a husband and father of two daughters.

Visitors to Chef Bigpants’ kitchen should expect a menu that celebrates Southern comfort classics with a twist of humor and indulgence. From golden cornbread and crisp ’slaw to over-the-top creations like Monster Taters and even a tongue-in-cheek Bowl o’ Butter, his recipes embody both tradition and playfulness. Expect hearty flavors, approachable techniques, and dishes meant for sharing (or keeping all to yourself when the day’s been bigpants).

In the Bigpants kitchen, Mr. Bigpants isn’t working alone: he’s got a team behind him. Jack Evans, his right-hand man, is always ready to fire up the oven or keep the “kitchen athletics” running smoothly, making sure every dish comes out with perfect timing. John Gallagher, meanwhile, brings a steady hand and sharp eye for detail, ensuring every recipe stays balanced and flavorful. Together, the three make quite the crew: Bigpants leading with bold flavors, Evans adding energy and teamwork, and Gallagher keeping the dishes precise. It’s less of a kitchen and more of a well-run academy of food. That's the magic in Chef Bigpants' kitchen.