Jon Parry
Jon is delighted to join the team at Gurteen College as Principal (Sept 2019), Jon will be the 6th Principal of Gurteen College, from it’s inception in 1946.
Before relocating to Tipperary Jon held various leadership roles in the UK, most recently he was Head of Dairy Knowledge Exchange at the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) – the levy board which represents farmers, growers and others in the supply chain. Jon managed a national team of staff delivering events and advice to dairy farmers, with a specific focus on business improvement and technical performance of dairy farms. Over recent years Jon has developed close links with Ireland working in partnership with UCD and Teagasc on a number of occasions.
Jon studied agriculture at Harper Adams then further developed his knowledge and skills working on farms across England. Returning to university Jon qualified as a teacher and gained a Masters in Environmental Management. He has worked for over 20 years in agricultural education, gaining a wealth of experience in teaching and latterly management of farms, residencies and the wider aspects of college life.
Jon hopes to build on the strength and reputation of Gurteen Agricultural College. He is particularly looking forward to working with students, and developing new links with industry partners. Jon said “I knew the moment I first visited Gurteen it was a special place, superb facilities and outstanding staff, a College with a real positive ethos” commenting “I am very proud to become Principal at Gurteen College and continue the very successfully development of the college, enhancing life in our rural communities and providing our students with the best opportunity to fulfill their own goals and potential”.