Marcus Oldham College: Andrew Baker named as sixth principal
After a global search, the agribusiness college has announced who will replace Simon Livingstone when he retires.
Marcus Oldham College has appointed Andrew Baker as its new principal, after an extensive global search to replace outgoing principal Simon Livingstone.
Mr Baker will be the college’s sixth head and take the reins from Mr Livingstone when he retires at the end of this year.
Currently working as director of agriculture and agribusiness at the college, Mr Baker said he was excited to continue Marcus’s long tradition of excellence in agribusiness education.
“Marcus Oldham is an institution that is unique,” he said.
“I’ve been there for a number of years and want to continue maintaining the culture and ethos that Marcus Oldham has.
“My first priority is to ensure the wider community that Marcus is in safe hands.
“And then we’ll be moving on with our strategy to eventually become a university college.”
Mr Baker was one of 27 applicants interviewed for the position.
In a letter to alumni, outgoing college council chairman Bruce Wilson said: “It is impressive that after an extensive global search and after subjecting the final candidates to four different rounds of formal interviews plus independent psychometric and intelligence tests, the best candidate was from within.”
Mr Baker grew up on a mixed cropping farm in Zimbabwe. His family immigrated to Australia in 1982, settling in Hay, NSW.
He attended Dookie Agricultural College and has a Master in Agribusiness degree from the University of Melbourne.
Starting as a lecturer with Marcus Oldham on its Geelong campus in 2005, he said he knew immediately it was the right place for him.
He said the learning model of bringing industry into the classroom was exciting, and equipped students with unique skills.
Marcus Oldham has also appointed a new deputy principal, who will join the staff from January next year.
Elizabeth Gubbins will fill the role, and work with deputy principal Tony McMeel.
Mr McMeel will be responsible for financial and commercial, while Ms Gubbins will be responsible for student welfare and stakeholder relationships.
Finally, council chairman Bruce Wilson will retire at the end of this year and Rob McGavin will take over as chairman when Mr Baker takes the helm as principal.
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