Team
Welcome, Jason Long
Professor of English
What is your role at Merced College?
I’ve been a faculty member at Merced College for over 20 years. I teach English and occasionally Humanities courses, both in-person on the Los Banos Campus and online.
What part of your job do you enjoy most?
All the people I get to work with. The chemistry in the Instructional Building alone is like a mad scientist throwing together a wild mix of English, math, communications, science, psychology and history professors—not to mention our dean, administrative coordinator, and a librarian tossed in for good measure—just to see what happens. The result is a hallway filled with loads of interesting conversations and lots of laughter.
I also really enjoy interacting with the students as well—every day in the classroom is something different, and they bring an upbeat energy that helps to keep me young (relatively speaking, of course).
Tell us about yourself. What brought you to Merced College?
I’m originally from Castro Valley in the East Bay, which is where I met my wife when we were just kids working at a pizza place together. Like almost all the big events in my life, my arrival at Merced College was just random luck. After my wife and I had both finished grad school and bounced around the state for a bit, I fell into a last-minute opening for an adjunct English spot at Merced College in 2004. It was my first real teaching experience, and I was hooked. A couple of years later, I was really excited to land a full-time position.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I love spending time with my wife and our two teenage daughters. We go on trips when we can, but we also spend time watching shows, going on walks, or eating out at local restaurants. Along with family time, I’m fortunate to still hang out regularly with a few of my childhood buddies for hikes and other activities too.
As for hobbies, I have two main ones. I love music, especially exploring new artists and checking out new songs. My other hobby—bordering on an obsession—is coffee. I buy green beans, roast them on the weekends, and have loads of ways to make my daily cup, from espresso to pour over to AeroPress and more.
What are the most notable changes have you seen at the Los Banos Campus over the years?
When I was hired full time at Merced College in 2006, I was split between both campuses. So, my first experience teaching at the Los Banos Campus was back in the portables out on Mercey Springs Road. There is no comparison between those old portables and the modern, attractive facilities we have now.
On top of that, our campus is continuing to grow and develop. We have a brand new Child Development Center, with more additions coming soon. Oh, and most importantly, we have a great little cafe right in the middle of campus that serves up delicious cappuccinos. Did I mention I like coffee?
What do you think makes the Los Banos Campus and its students unique?
First, the Los Banos Campus is beautiful, with great facilities and loads of trees currently blooming out in the quad. Being surrounded by farmland and open space gives it a peaceful, relaxed feeling. I appreciate that the campus is made up of dedicated professionals who take the work we’re doing seriously, but still find time to have fun.
The students here are also unique. I’d venture to guess they are a lot like their parents, many of whom came to the United States willing to work hard for a brighter future. The majority of our students are following their lead, coming to school ready to work and willing to overcome challenges to give themselves greater opportunities. I’m just happy to get the chance to help them along their way.
