Mehran Mesbah honored with Part-Time Faculty Excellence Award
Since joining Yuba College in the spring of 2021, Mehran Mesbah, known around campus as Mehr, has transformed more than just his classroom. He has helped shape a culture of creativity, connection and inspiration that extends beyond art and into the heart of the campus community. Now, his work is being honored with the Part-Time Faculty Excellence Award, a recognition chosen by colleagues through a process of nomination and vote.
In the nominations for this award, Mesbah’s impact both inside and outside the classroom were praised.
His nominators highlighted that Mesbah’s is an exceptional member of our part-time faculty, who works hard to bring his creativity and passion to the community through his remarkable artwork. His dedication to uniting Yuba College students and staff is evident in his piece, All Rivers Flow to the Sea.
Mesbah’s teaching journey at Yuba College began during a challenging time: right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. He credits the support of colleagues like Instructional Designer Cindi Sargent, Administrative Secretary Amanda Tortora and Yuba College Dean of Arts, Humanities and Education Kristina Vannucci for helping him navigate those early days.
“Every challenge brings us closer and better at how we show up for our community,” he said. “That makes my experience of working at YC enjoyable.”
His favorite part of the job? He proudly stated one thing: the students.
“The culture in my classrooms has always revolved around building positive interactions,” he said. “And my students are beginning to create their own culture! Through clubs, collective meals and hanging out listening to music between classes, they have cultivated their unique culture in the art department.”
It is that shared culture and connection that fuels his teaching philosophy. Whether he is planning student field trips, coordinating student-led art clubs or brainstorming department-wide art projects, his goal is always to create more opportunities for his students to be seen, supported and inspired.
So when he learned he won the award, it hit him deeply.
“When I first found out, I teared up a bit,” he said. “Sometimes the work you do goes unnoticed. In this case, so many people told me how much they appreciate the work they see me do—and that means the world.”
Behind the scenes, Mesbah is constantly balancing a variety of tasks. On any given day, he is juggling a dozen responsibilities, but he makes a conscious effort to remain present with students.
“No matter how crazy everything is in the background, if it is the whole class or a one-on-one conversation, my attention is theirs. And good things happen.”
His drive comes from a deep love of art and a passion for mentorship.
“In my art practice, as with my classrooms, finding interesting connections has given me a lifelong passion that only seems to deepen over the years,” he said. “Mentorship has given me longevity. Students don’t just disappear after my class ends—they become part of a vital network of people in my community that I want to see succeed.”
And for Mesbah, art is not just a job or a subject: it’s a way of life.
“Art is the OG muse,” he said. “I love teaching art appreciation because when I make those art connections—you can feel the goosebumps in the room. That moment will be with them well after the class.”
His former students are a testament to his influence. Some have gone on to master’s programs, others are teaching and many continue to make art in ways that enrich their lives. Those are the stories that keep him motivated.
Whether it is through art or a moment of mentorship, Mesbah continues to leave an incredible mark on Yuba College, proving that art, at its best, brings people together and leaves the world just a little more beautiful than it was before.