Glendale Community College hosted its 39th Annual Academic Senate Distinguished Faculty Award on October 30th, 2025. Recognizing Dr. Kevin A. Meza as this year’s recipient of recognized faculty, and rewarded him with a one thousand dollar check.
The ceremony brought together faculty, staff, administrators, and students in a celebration of Meza’s long-standing commitment to student achievement and educational leadership on campus. He has been found on the GCC campus along with teaching USC students, impacting the trajectory of students’ paths, and future mentors.
Meza, Transfer Center Coordinator and Guided Pathways Co-Coordinator, has played a significant role in supporting student transfer success and academic achievement. Joining GCC in 2000, he has assisted in boosting GCC’s graduation rates by more than 50%. By doing so, he has positioned GCC as one of the strongest transfer colleges in Los Angeles County. Meza has been acknowledged both locally and nationally as he continues to shape students, and educate future counselors.
Throughout Mezas’ acceptance speech, he shares the ideals of educators’ pathways. Reminding them that it’s about being there for the students, at the start and at their end. While being appreciative to “share with other educators and how they can use these skills in their personal life or with other students” Meza reminds educators that their roles on campus are for the students. “You (have to) give the student the tools to succeed and encouragement to motivate.”
By allowing students to fail, learn, and “reframe their situation,” Meza connects with students on their level of critical thinking. A core part of his counseling philosophy is encouraging students to “Soar with their strengths,” a lesson inspired by the mentors who shaped his early career. Allowing students to note that failure is a part of the learning process, and analyze and grow from. He elaborated, by helping students strengthen their confidence and take ownership of their academic decisions.
Being vulnerable during his acceptance speech, Meza spoke about the importance of remaining open to feedback. Although he has accomplished many goals and impacted countless students, he emphasized that “direct feedback is how we develop.” He reminded the audience that even with his years of experience, he is still growing, and obtaining feedback, “I’ve done that, while it hasn’t always gone well, I’m still adjusting.”
Meza’s recognition marks a distinct milestone for both him and GCC, as the shared mission to set students firsts paves way for change on campus. With a theater of students, colleagues, and staff, it’s clear Meza’s Influence extends far beyond the counseling offices.