APPLY NOW
[email protected]
(575) 461-6600
Menu

College History

Mesalands Community College is an independent, comprehensive, two-year community college that offers certificate and degree programs, academic transfer courses, adult basic education, and community education courses for lifelong learners.  The campus of Mesalands Community College is positioned on 23 acres, with room for future expansion. The main campus is comprised of six buildings, with additional buildings located at other sites off the main campus.  The main campus of the College is located at 911 South Tenth Street in Tucumcari, New Mexico.  Tucumcari is located in the eastern part of the state, approximately 100 miles west of Amarillo, Texas, and 168 miles east of Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is recognizable by its landmark, the 5,000-ft. butte known as Tucumcari Mountain. Interstate Highway 40 and U.S. Highway 54 converge in the town, making it a popular tourist site.

In January 1979, an act of the State of New Mexico Legislature authorized the establishment of an area vocational school in Tucumcari (Statutory Authority: Sections 21-17-1 through 21-17-17 NMSA (New Mexico Statutes Annotated) 1978). Mesalands Community College was originally established as Tucumcari Area Vocational School (TAVS), under the Area Vocational School Act of New Mexico during the thirty-third Legislative Session. The school was authorized to offer programs of vocational education leading to certificates and diplomas.

In November 1993, the institution was authorized by the New Mexico Commission on Higher Education to offer Associate of Applied Science degrees in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems. In June 1994, the Commission on Higher Education authorized the College to offer the Associate of Applied Science degree for each of its technical/vocational programs. The degree programs were implemented in the fall semester of 1994.

In 1994, the Board of Trustees authorized Tucumcari Area Vocational School to begin doing business as Mesa Technical College, in order to more accurately represent the institution to its varied constituents as a small community college.

In the fall semester 1995, Mesa Technical College implemented a pre-collegiate studies program and expanded its course offerings in general education. In the spring semester of 1996, the College began expanding its offerings via distance learning, including the Electronic Distance Education Network (EDEN), a cooperative effort of the universities of New Mexico, Public Broadcasting System (PBS), and the Internet.

In the spring semester 1996, the College developed programs in Paleontology and Geology. Mesalands Community College Dinosaur Museum and Natural Science Laboratories was planned, based on a partnership that developed between the College and the community.  The project was important in recognizing, maintaining, and promoting the region’s rich heritage as one of the premiere deposits of fossilized ancient life. The community continues to donate considerable time, energy, and resources to the Museum for cataloging specimens and providing sites for further exploration. An outgrowth of planning for separate funding of the Museum resulted in the establishment of the Mesa Technical College Foundation, Inc., for charitable, scientific, and educational purposes.

On July 1, 1996, Mesa Technical College came under the direction of a new president who instituted a concerted effort in strategic planning – a prerequisite to addressing institutional challenges and implementing effective change. The College’s new direction manifested itself in significant changes, including the implementation of student assessment, institutional effectiveness, and curriculum development.  The institution’s mission and goals were reviewed and revised, appropriate to the new effort to become a comprehensive community college.

The President also launched an intensive effort to earn accreditation from The Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association (NCA) of Colleges and Schools. Administration, faculty, and staff set forth on a fast track to compress the two-year process normally needed to earn a site visit from the NCA into a period of less than one year. In August 1997, these efforts were rewarded when NCA granted Mesa Technical College candidacy for accreditation. In August of 1999, Mesa was granted the status of initial accreditation by NCA; at which time the State allowed the College to begin offering the Associate of Arts degree.

In the fall of 1998, the College launched a new intercollegiate rodeo program in response to the desires of its students and local community. The success of this program led to the establishment of a livestock judging team in 2001.

On September 11, 2001, the Board of Trustees renamed the institution Mesalands Community College.  With the College continuing to grow and mature, the College’s name was changed to more adequately reflect its mission.

In 2004, Mesalands Community College received 10 years of accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Mesalands Community College has experienced significant growth and change over the last 10 years as briefly outlined below.

 

2007

  • Fall 2007 headcount (third Friday census) was 635, up 16.5% from 2005-06, and up 152.0% from fall 1997. Fall 2007 FTE (third Friday census) was 373.7, up 11.9% from 2005-06, and up 152.8% from fall 1997.
  • The College graduated 36 students with associate degrees; 120 graduated with certificates (2006-07 academic year).
  • Concurrent enrollment grew 41% from fall 2006 to fall 2007. The College concurrent enrollment agreements included Tucumcari High School, Logan High School, Dexter High School, Clayton High School, House High School, Moriarty High School, Estancia High School, and Texico High School.
  • The College was awarded a $17,000 grant from the New Mexico Rodeo Council for equipment. There were 38 members on the rodeo team/rodeo club.
  • Construction was completed on new facilities. A $1.6 million addition to Building A added 7,920 square feet, including a Great Room, a Health and Wellness Facility, two classrooms, five offices, and a meal prep room.
  • Governor Bill Richardson approved $2 million in appropriations to help finance a 1.5 megawatt wind turbine to be installed at Mesalands Community College for the NAWRTC.
  • The College received a $300,000 Legislative Appropriation from New Mexico Representative Brian Moore and a $150,000 Legislative Appropriation from State Senator Harden for the NAWRTC. Another $43,000 was received from various other statewide senators and representatives.
  • The College successfully procured a $2 million U.S. Department of Labor grant for the NAWRTC.
  • A contract was awarded for a General Electric 1.5 megawatt wind turbine to be delivered in 2008.
  • A Joint Powers Agreement was signed between Mesalands Community College and the New Mexico Department of Corrections, awarding $45,000 to help fund courses offered at Guadalupe County Correctional Facility for fiscal year 2006 – 2007.
  • A new College security identification card system was installed for everyday use, as well as security access for paying clients to the new Fitness Center.
  • A new web-based administrative software system was implemented (SONISWEB).
  • The Mesalands Community College Dinosaur Museum and Natural Science Laboratory welcomed its 100,000th visitor on November 3, 2007. Attendance at the Museum grew to about 15,000 annually.
  • For the first time, the Mesalands Community College Board of Trustees held elections separate from the K-12 school board elections.

2008

  • A commercial-grade, 1.5 megawatt General Electric wind turbine was erected on campus.
  • A $7.5 million GO Bond was approved for the NAWRTC.
  • During the fall semester, classes in Wind Energy Technology were initiated.

2009

  • A G.O. Bond was approved for Building G.

2010

  • Building G was expanded to include the President’s Office, the Board of Trustees Conference Room, four new classrooms, three new offices, and the Bookstore.
  • The NAWRTC, a 27,000 square foot building, was dedicated in the fall.

2011

  • In the spring, operations began in the new NAWRTC.
  • In June, Dr. Phillip O. Barry, President of Mesalands Community College, retired after 15 years of dedicated service.
  • On July 1, Dr. Mildred P. Lovato became the second President of Mesalands Community College.
  • The College hosted the Economic and Rural Development Committee Meeting on July 6-7, 2011. This meeting brought Legislators from across the state to the campus.
  • Mesalands received the largest annual individual donation of $35,000. Xcel Energy donated $5,000 for scholarships for Wind Energy students. Citizens Bank donated $5,000 to the Rodeo Team. The Working Ranch Cowboys Foundation donated $10,000 to build 20 new horse stalls near the Farrier Barn.
  • The College was awarded a $523,751 Wind Center of Excellence grant. Twenty-eight students graduated with an Occupational Certificate in Wind Energy Technology as a result of this grant.
  • The College received $109,140 Integrated Basic Education Skills Training (I-BEST) grant to assist Adult Basic Education (ABE) students succeed in college-level technical programs. The grant is used for wrap-around services for General Education Development (GED) students co-enrolled in short certificate programs.
  • The College was awarded a highly competitive U.S. Department of Education Title III Federal Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) grant in October, 2011. The grant award is $777,154 each year for a five-year renewable award totaling $3.8 million.
  • A new Fine Arts Weaving Program was started, resulting in capacity enrollment for that program, at the Guadalupe County Corrections Facility.
  • New Mexico Business Weekly named the Mesalands Community College Dinosaur Museum and Natural Science Laboratory one of the Top Twenty-five Museums in the State for attendance.
  • The College was approved by the Higher Learning Commission – North Central Association, to offer academic program courses at additional correctional facilities: New Mexico Women’s Correctional Facility (Grants, N.M.) and the Northeastern New Mexico Detention Facility in Clayton, NM.
  • The College was a National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) architectural/construction award finalist for the NAWRTC building. The building was also certified as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver.
  • In December, the College was one of only eleven institutions selected, from among 68 applicants nationwide, to receive the Community College Undergraduate Research Initiative (CCURI), National Science Foundation (NSF) award.
  • The architectural design for construction of a new Life Science Laboratory, and the remodel of the existing Physical Science Laboratory in Building A was completed and construction began.
  • Official College colors were formalized by the Board of Trustees.
  • The College mascot debuted at the first indoor/outdoor Cinco de Mayo celebration at the NAWRTC.
  • The College conferred 70 certificates and 6 associate degrees at the Guadalupe County Correctional Facility, and the Northeastern New Mexico Detention Facility.
  • The Men’s Rodeo Team set two national records: the most points earned at a single rodeo, and the most points earned during a single season.
  • A concerted effort to increase exposure of the College resulted in significant media coverage, including an article in the Wall Street Journal. Throughout the year, the College averaged media coverage every three days; much of which was “Earned Media”.
  • The Mesalands Community College Accreditation Plan 2011 – 2014 was created and first presented during the fall semester convocation.

2012

  • The first Self-Study Steering Committee meeting was held during the fall semester.
  • The Life Science Laboratory and the Physical Science Laboratory were extensively updated.

2013

  • On July 11, 2013, after an extensive nationwide search, the Board of Trustees hired Thomas W. Newsom, Ph.D., as the next President of Mesalands Community College.

2014

  • The College saw enrollment increases year-over-year by more than 13%, over 9% in the Summer and Fall, and in excess of 17% in the Spring.
  • Total student credit hours increased year-over-year by more than 7%.
  • Student retention increased for both full-time and part-time students, an increase of 8% to 69% and an increase of 1% to 48%, respectively.
  • com named our College the seventh most affordable community college in the nation, number one in New Mexico.
  • The College increased access to its educational programs and increased future educational opportunities for students by: Launching dual credit and adult education programs at Portales High School. Entering into an agreement with the University of Texas at Arlington to provide OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) training in Tucumcari.  Signing articulation agreements with Colorado State University, Southern New Hampshire University, and Grand Canyon University, and reengaging a relationship with Wayland Baptist University.
  • Increased its foreign language options with the re-introduction of French.
  • Brought Back English as a Second Language as a free course offering.
  • Reengaged the relationship with Clovis Community College and engaged
  • Frank Phillips College in collaboration with the Wind Energy Program.
  • Launched a Graphic Design option within our degree program.
  • The College saw nationally and internationally published research by many of its staff and faculty members including, Dr. Forrest Kaatz, Dr. Axel Hungerbuehler, and Dr. Phillip Kaatz.
  • Increased student services through additional online resources such as online tutoring, increased access to library resources, and began the process of developing an online Bookstore.
  • Received over $550,000 from a federal grant to reestablish our allied health programs.
  • Signed a contract with the Tucumcari Economic Development Corporation for 90+ acres, for a future Animal Science/Farrier Science/Rodeo facility, that will not only allow for future expansion in those programs, but grow the fine arts programs as well.
  • Had a number of students, faculty, and staff participate in the Community College Undergraduate Research Initiative that included poster presentations in both Washington D.C. and North Carolina.
  • For the first time in College history Mesalands hosted two on-campus rodeos and received financial support from the Lodgers Tax Board for the second event.
  • Entered into an agreement with Tucumcari High School through support of the Rattler Booster Club, in order to give the College a larger presence on the high school campus.
  • Hosted a very successful 17th annual iron pour.
  • Engaged the community through concerts, lectures, a Foundation fundraising event, and the Stampede Fiesta and Stampede Week.
  • Continued to support the community through the Mesalands Small Business Development Center, including an incredibly successful tax preparation event.
  • Completed a Strategic Plan that will guide the College into the future.

2015

  • Duplicated headcount in 2014-2015 increased by 17% year-over-year.
  • Annual full-time enrollment increased by 9%.
  • Had an overall graduation of 38%, which is more than 50% higher than the national graduation rates of public 2-year institutions of 21.1%.
  • According to the New Mexico Independent Community College Accountability in Government Act Report (NMICC AGA) for 2013, 75% of Mesalands graduates obtained employment, or continued their education at another institution.
  • Community College Week ranked Mesalands as the 33rd fastest-growing community college in the nation, with an enrollment under 2,500, according to an article published by Community College Week. Mesalands was one of only four community colleges in the State of New Mexico included in this distinguished list.
  • The College expanded educational opportunities for students by: reestablishing the Allied Health Program, offering certificates in Nurse’s Aide and Phlebotomy and providing educational programming to students at eight of the nine correctional facilities in New Mexico. Began offering college courses to Dual Enrollment students, during their sophomore year at Tucumcari High School. For the first-time in the College’s history, seven Dual Enrollment students from Tucumcari High School, were inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society.
  • Mesalands and a network of community colleges were awarded a $1.5 million grant, provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF), for the expansion of undergraduate research opportunities for students. This grant was part of the Community College Undergraduate Research Initiative (CCURI).
  • A new Office of Student Success was developed to improve persistence and completion rates. The College hired a Director of Career Services, Persistence, and Student Success, who is responsible for the overall operation of the Office of Student Success — Career Services Center. A new Career Services Center was created to empower students and first-year alumni to achieve their career-related goals, through the use of personalized services, resources, technology, presentations, and workshops.
  • A new Student Success Committee Standing Committee was also formed to identify at-risk students and anticipate their needs, while continually connecting them to appropriate resource and support early and continually in their academic careers.
  • D’Jean Jawrunner, Fine Arts Faculty Member at Mesalands, was named the 2016 New Mexico Higher Education Art Educator of the Year, by the New Mexico Art Education Association (NMAEA).
  • Hosted the 18th Annual Iron Pour and had a total of 33 students, from all over the country participate in this workshop. Students poured nearly 4,000 pounds of iron in only two and a half hours, making this the fastest iron pour in the history of the College.
  • The College saw nationally and internationally published research by many of its staff and faculty members, including: Gretchen Gurtler, Dr. Axel Hungerbuehler, and Dr. Forrest Kaatz.
  • Students conduct undergraduate research projects related to: mathematics, environmental science, and paleontology.
  • Over 12,000 people, representing all 50 U.S. States and Puerto Rico, visited the Mesalands Community College’s Dinosaur Museum and Natural Sciences Laboratory. In addition, 703 were international visitors from 42 different countries.
  • The Small Business Development Center filed 65 error-free tax returns, that resulted in a total of $16,882 in federal in-state income tax refunds, for local senior citizens.
  • The College Bookstore continues to provide a variety of clothing and gift items for the students and staff, as well as for the local community. Bookstore begins to offer electronic textbooks.
  • Six student athletes from the Mesalands Rodeo Team, competed at the 2015 College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR), the second highest in the State of New Mexico. Timothy Abbott, Mesalands Interim Intercollegiate Rodeo Coach, was named the 2015 Grand Canyon Region Coach-of-the-Year.
  • The Mesalands Rodeo Team hosted the New Mexico High School Rodeo Association (NMHSRA) competition at the Quay County Rodeo Arena. Approximately 500 high school rodeo contestants from across New Mexico, participated in this rodeo.
  • The College had record attendance at various community events including: 600 attendees to the 8th Annual Fall Rodeo; over 150 people attended the 2015 Christmas Story and Lighting of the Courtyard holiday event; 100 attendees to the fall Student Orientation 80 to the Welcome Back Pizza Party, and 400 in attendance at the Maze of Life event during the 2nd Annual Student Safety Week, attendance included students from Tucumcari High School.
  • Mesalands was well-represented at the 2015 Fired Up Celebration, organized by the Tucumcari Main Street Committee. Faculty and staff assisted with the First Annual Chalk Walk Sidewalk Art Contest, and had multiple Fine Arts students participate. “Pedey” the College mascot, took part in the mascot dance-off, and the College Bookstore sold merchandise. Approximately 2,000 people attended this community event.
  • Mesalands staff and faculty donated over $250 and 300 pounds of food to the local Ministry of Hope during the College’s Annual Food Drive. Mesalands staff also volunteered at a number of community events, including: Get Moving Quay County Fun Run/Walk, Quay County Fair, Quay County Wellness Fair, Tucumcari’s Earth Day at the Outdoor Classroom and at various Open Mic Poetry events. Mesalands staff members have and will continue to be actively involved in various non-profit and service organizations, to support the local community.

2016

  • For the 2015-2016 academic year, duplicated headcount of 2,158 increased by 12%, credit hours of 13,821 increased by 6%, and full-time equivalent (FTE) of 1,068 increased by 4.5% year-over-year.
  • Annual enrollment increased by 11.5%.
  • Had a 34% increase in the overall graduation rate of 51%, which is 33% higher than the average graduate rate of New Mexico Independent Community College’s (NMICC) at 18%.
  • Mesalands was ranked the 12th best community college in the U.S. and the number one community college in New Mexico, according to WalletHub.com.
  • General Obligation Bond C was approved to provide 2 million dollars in funding for campus improvements.
  • Mesalands signed a 2-year master lease to provide student housing, the new Stampede Village Apartment Complex.
  • La Placita Plaza Inc. donated the Alco building to the Mesalands Community College’s Foundation, Inc.
  • The Mesalands Foundation, Inc. received a donation of 30 acres of land and a historic adobe home from the William H. and Lalla D. Landess Trust.
  • Visitors to the Mesalands Community College’s Dinosaur Museum and Natural Sciences Laboratory increased by 14%, with a total of 13,863 visitors in 2016. These visitors were from all over the U.S. and 45 foreign countries. Sales at the Museum Gift Shop also increased by approximately 10%.
  • Hosted the Regional Education Cooperative #6 Annual Meeting and had approximately 300 educators from the following school districts attend: Dora, Elida, Floyd, Ft. Sumner, Grady, House, Logan, Melrose, San Jon, and Texico.
  • For the first time in the College history, a Dual Enrollment student was selected as the student speaker for graduation.
  • Hosted the 18th Annual Iron Pour and had a total of 37 students, from all over the U.S. participate in the week-long workshop. Students poured 6,117 pounds of iron.
  • Fine Arts Department showcased artwork created during the Annual Iron Pour, at a Hot Iron Art Show in Albuquerque. The Fine Arts Department also hosted a Summer Summit Workshop for members of the New Mexico Art Education Association (NMAEA). A total of 15 art educators from Canada, Albuquerque, Ft. Sumner, Santa Fe, and Tucumcari participated in the workshop.
  • Animal Science students completed a 120-day data Bull Test at the New Mexico State University (NMSU) Agricultural Science Center in Tucumcari.
  • Granite Services International Inc. conducted their new hiring training for over 200 employees at Mesalands. Granite utilized the facilities at the North American Wind Research and Training Center (NAWRTC) and the College’s turbine for their trainings.
  • U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich and Mesalands President Dr. Thomas W. Newsom, climbed the College’s 1.5 megawatt wind turbine.
  • A Wind Energy Technology student attended the 2016 American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) Windpower Conference and Exhibition in New Orleans, LA. The student received the Women of Wind Energy (WoWE) “Wind at Our Backs” Scholarship. Only five students in the nation received this prestigious scholarship.
  • World-renowned engravers taught the first intermediate Artistic Silversmithing course offered during the summer.
  • Students and faculty conducted undergraduate research projects related to environmental science and paleontology.
  • A Natural Sciences student published their environmental science research in the New Mexico Journal of Science.
  • As of December 2016, 73.1% percent of Allied Health graduates who were employed while completing their studies in Allied Health, received a wage increase following graduation.
  • Mesalands hosted an Allied Health Open House to showcase the new laboratory and equipment and to introduce the Allied Health staff to the community.
  • The Hispanic Heritage Club Amistad, donated over 500 children’s books to the Mesalands Library for the new Children’s Book Collection.
  • The Robotics Club participated in the RoboRave (Robots Are Very Educational) International Conference in Albuquerque. Over 1,800 participants from over 16 countries took part in this event. The Robotics Club also co-hosted a Robots and Rockets Summer Adventure Camp Academy on campus.
  • The Mesalands Rodeo Team won the bull riding championship title, the bareback riding championship title, and the team roping reserve championship title, at the 9th Annual Mesalands Grand Canyon Region Intercollegiate Fall Rodeo.
  • A student athlete from the Mesalands Rodeo Team competed at the 2016 College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in team roping, with another competitor from Cochise College and finished 14th in the nation.
  • The Small Business Development Center filed 103 error-free tax returns, nearly 60% higher than the year before, that resulted in a total of $34,329 in federal and state income tax refunds for local senior citizens.
  • Mesalands participated in the 2016 Fired Up Celebration organized by the Tucumcari Main Street Committee. The Fine Arts Department conducted an aluminum pour, faculty and staff helped at the College’s booth, and “Pedey” the College mascot, took part in the mascot dance-off. Approximately 2,000 people attended this community event.
  • Mesalands staff volunteered at a number of community events, including: Get Moving Quay County Fun Run/Walk, Quay County Fair, and Tucumcari’s Earth Day at the Outdoor Classroom.

2017

  • For the 2016-17 academic year, headcount of 2,158 increased by 12%, credit hours of 13,822 increased by 6%, and full-time equivalent (FTE) of 1,069 increased by 5% year-over-year.
  • The 2017 graduating class represented 70 certificates and degrees, 14 high school equivalency diplomas, and two bachelor’s degrees.
  • Mesalands Community College was ranked the ninth best community college in the U.S., and the number one community college in New Mexico, according to WalletHub.com.
  • Mesalands Community College was named the Best Community College in New Mexico, according to BestColleges.com.
  • Mesalands Community College was ranked fifth among the “50 Most Affordable Community Colleges” in the nation, according to AffordableColleges.com.
  • Mesalands receives Higher Learning Commission (HLC) approval to provide academic programming to Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Grants New Mexico and at Springer Correctional Facility in Springer New Mexico.  In addition, the College now offers courses at North Western New Mexico Correctional Core Civics in Grants New Mexico, Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Las Lunas New Mexico, Lee County Correctional Facility in Hobbs New Mexico.
  • The College is now offering dual enrollment courses live or via distance education at 10 area high schools. The increase in number of schools is due to increased online offerings to dual students.
  • Visitors to the Mesalands Community College Dinosaur Museum and Natural Sciences Laboratory increased attendance by 4.6%, with a total of 13,645 visitors in 2017-2018.
  • Students and faculty conducted research projects related to environmental science, geology and paleontology.
  • Faculty and staff published research in leading scientific journals.
  • FieldCore trained over 500 wind technicians at Mesalands Community College, for their new hire trainings and recertification training.
  • Megger, a manufacturer of portable electrical testing equipment, donates equipment worth over $10,000 to the Wind Energy Technology Program.
  • Mesalands Community College poured 6,000 pounds of iron during the
    19th Annual Iron Pour, a record number for the institution.
  • U.S. Senator Tom Udall visited the Mesalands Community College Dinosaur Museum and Natural Sciences Laboratory.
  • A student at Mesalands was selected to the 2017 All-State New Mexico Academic Team. This student was also a member of the Mesalands Rodeo Team. This recognition includes a renewable full tuition scholarship towards a bachelor’s degree at a participating New Mexico public university or college.
  • Mesalands student receives 2017 Vicky Froehlich Memorial Scholarship at the 20th Annual New Mexico Mathematical Association for Two-Year Colleges (NMMATYC) conference in Las Cruces New Mexico.
  • The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) received a State award for meeting 85% of their 2016 benchmarks.
  • Two student athletes from the Mesalands Rodeo Team competed at the 2017 College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR).  The bull rider tied for eighth place in the nation and the bare back rider finished in the top 25.
  • Mesalands Foundation launches new website.
  • Mesalands participated in the 2017 Fired Up Celebration organized by the Tucumcari Main Street Committee. The Fine Arts Department conducted an aluminum pour and faculty and staff helped with the College’s booth.
  • Mesalands staff members volunteered at a number of community events, including: Get Moving Quay County Fun Run/Walk, Quay County Fair, Quay County 4-H Rodeo, Rattler Reunion, Christmas Parade of Lights, Tucumcari’s Earth Day at the Outdoor Classroom. Mesalands staff members have and will continue to be actively involved in various non-profit and service organizations, to support the local community.
  • Faculty and staff donated gifts to children in the community during the holidays.

2018

  • For the 2017-18 academic year, duplicated headcount of 2,549 increased by 18%, credit hours of 14,372 increased by nearly 4%, and full-time equivalent (FTE) of 1,123 increased by 5% year-over-year.
  • For the 2017-2018 academic year, main campus awarded 21 Associate of Arts degrees, 23 Associate of Applied Science degrees, 47 certificates, and 13 High School Equivalency degrees. The graduating class also included 13 high school students, who graduated from college prior to obtaining their high school diplomas.
  • Mesalands Community College opened the Stampede Village Apartment Complex in Spring 2018.
  • After an extensive nationwide search, the Board of Trustees appointed Dr. John Groesbeck as the next President of Mesalands Community College, effective July 2018
  • According to the SUN PATH (Skill Up Network Pathway Acceleration in Technology and Health Care) progress report, Mesalands had a total of 100 students enrolled in various Allied Health courses. Altogether, 62 students completed their studies, while earning 74 certificates, degrees, and industry recognized credentials. Incomes for 55 students increased during or after their studies.
  • In October 2018, the College received approval from the Higher Learning Commission to offer the Associate of Applied Science degree in Cowboy Arts/Western Silversmithing and Fabrication.
  • Faculty and staff published research nationally and internationally in leading scientific journals.
  • Xcel Energy donated $25,000 for scholarships for Wind Energy Technology students at Mesalands Community College. Megger also donated equipment to the Wind Energy Technology Program.
  • Mesalands Community College, Pattern Energy, and the American Wind Energy Association held an Open House to celebrate American Wind Week, August 5-11 at the North American Wind Research and Training Center.
  • For the year, the Mesalands Community College’s Dinosaur Museum and Natural Sciences Laboratory had a total of 13,645 visitors, an increase of 4.6%. These visitors were from all over the U.S. and 38 foreign countries.
  • The Mesalands Dinosaur Museum also hosted a water well testing event, sponsored by the New Mexico Department of Health, the New Mexico Environment Department, and Mesalands Community College.
  • Mesalands Community College hosted the 20th Annual Iron Pour. A ribbon cutting and building dedication was added to the event, in celebration of the new renovations to the foundry and art studio.
  • Artwork created during the College’s Annual Iron Pour, was on display at the “Burning Ring of Fire: 20 Years of Cast Iron Sculpture in Tucumcari, NM” Art Show at the Amarillo Museum of Art.
  • There were nearly 450 attendees to the 11th Annual Mesalands Grand Canyon Region Intercollegiate Fall Rodeo.
  • For the 2017-18 academic year, Mesalands hosted over 100 different student activities and/or events for students.
  • Mesalands had Grad Fest in conjunction with the Career and Transfer Fair. There were over 100 participants, including 75 students.
  • On March 28, 2018, Senator Tom Udall held the Federal Resources Roadshow on campus. This event was to bring together community leaders, federal and state agencies, and other organizations, that support rural communities.
  • In 2018, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) had made a major impact on the local economy by exceeding their performance benchmarks. The SBDC was projected to start one new business. They assisted in starting seven new businesses. The SBDC had a goal of retaining 15 long-term clients. SBDC almost doubled that number with 26 long-term clients last year.
  • Mesalands partnered with the Greater Tucumcari Economic Development Center (GTEDC) to hold an ACT Work Ready Communities Eastern New Mexico Boot Camp on campus. Following the workshop, participants received a National Career Readiness Certificate.
  • Mesalands faculty and staff volunteered at a number of community events, including: Get Moving Quay County Fun Run/Walk, Quay County Fair, and at Tucumcari’s Earth Day at the Outdoor Classroom. They are also involved in various community non-profit and service organizations.
  • Faculty and staff donated nearly 225 hygiene products to the local Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD). They also donated over 60 holiday packages to the CYFD.