Cameron Archer principal of Tocal Agricultural College, Paterson will be leaving his position in September.
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This announcement follows the weekend celebrations marking the college's 50th anniversary.
Dr Archer who has been principal at the college for 27 years could be described best as Mr Tocal given his high profile not only in the Hunter Valley but throughout the state through his work in promoting agriculture and agricultural education.
He has been a champion for the industry he loves and has shown leadership and commitment to that industry throughout his career.
He will be sadly missed as he was brilliant at forging ties between the college and broader community.
During his time at the college the successful Tocal Field Days prospered and much work was undertaken on the preservation of Tocal Homestead and its outbuildings.
The Tocal Homestead complex is what it is today through Dr Archer's keen interest in history and preserving our agricultural heritage.
Before taking over as principal from John Drinan, Dr Archer had been deputy principal and a lecturer at the college.
"I would like to thank local organisations and individuals for your support for Tocal College over the 27 years I have been principal," he said.
"I have been fortunate to have a very supportive family , staff, media and community to work and grow Tocal. It is now one of the largest specialist training institutions for agriculture and land management in Australia.
"More educational programs are delivered by Tocal away from the main campus than on the CB Alexander Campus here at Paterson. Much use is now made of online learning and taking the learning opportunities to the client rather than vice versa."
He said given this the on-farm, on-campus training of adolescents remains front of mind for Tocal.
The recent ‘Back to Tocal” weekend once again demonstrated how important the training of adolescents is in today’s society.
Dr Archer said graduates of the College’s youth education programs can be found right around Australia in a range of positions in the rural and related industries. Their ongoing contribution is enormous and highly valued.