Mohebbian, Tussey named 2025 Gussler Fellows

Published on May 13, 2025

Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) professors Hossein Mohebbian and Laura Tussey were named 2025 Gussler Fellows during last week’s commencement ceremony.

Mohebbian, mathematics professor at ACTC, received the Gussler Family Endowed Chair in Science and Mathematics award. Tussey, English professor at ACTC, received the Gussler Family Endowed Chair in Humanities award.

The Gussler Fellow Award was established in 2007 by Dr. C Gordon Gussler and his wife, Dixie Gussler. As a distinguished alumnus of Ashland Community College, Dr. Gussler wanted to reward and encourage outstanding math and science faculty who foster in their students a desire to learn and reach their maximum potential. 

In 2019, the fellowship was expanded to include an award for an outstanding humanities faculty member.

This marks the third time Mohebbian has received the honor, having previously been recognized in 2015 and 2021.  He earned a Master of Arts in mathematics from Marshall University in 1983 and has taught at ACTC since 1991.

“I am deeply honored to receive such an important award,” Mohebbian said. “Teaching is more than a professional to me, it’s a calling. This recognition reflects not just my efforts, but also the collective support of my students, colleagues, and the community.”

He added that he is grateful for the opportunity to inspire and be inspired every day in the classroom.  

Tussey has been a faculty member since August 2006. She attended Ashland Community College and then Marshall University as a Drinko Scholar, where she earned her Master of Arts in English with academic distinction.

“I began my college journey at ACTC, then ACC in the 1990s,” said Tussey. “I was welcomed into the academic community by committed, supportive, and inspiring professors who were my first role models in higher education, who encouraged me to forge my own path with excellence and integrity. When I left here for the four-year university, I told them I would return as a professor. Some years later, I did that very thing. I always joke that my students are the reason I rise in the mornings but that is an absolute fact. Teaching is my life-purpose and I am so very grateful for the ability to share, support, and inspire just like my mentors did for me.”

Recipients are nominated by students, fellow faculty or college staff for empowering and motivating students to succeed beyond their experiences.