TUCUMCARI, N.M. — Mesalands Community College is celebrating a significant federal investment secured through the office of U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich that will strengthen New Mexico’s clean energy future and directly support the college’s nationally recognized wind energy program.
As part of Fiscal Year 2026 federal appropriations recently signed into law, Mesalands Community College received $4 million to support energy workforce training and the repowering of the college’s on-campus wind turbine—a major milestone that reinforces Mesalands’ role as a leader in renewable energy education.
College leadership expressed appreciation for Senator Heinrich’s continued advocacy for New Mexico’s rural communities and workforce institutions.
“This investment represents a tremendous win for Mesalands Community College and for the future of energy education in eastern New Mexico,” said Dr. Allen Moss, President of Mesalands Community College. “We are grateful to Senator Heinrich and his office for recognizing the importance of rural colleges in preparing the next generation of skilled energy technicians.”
The funding will allow Mesalands to modernize and repower its wind turbine—an essential training asset for students in the Wind Energy Technology program—while expanding hands-on learning opportunities aligned with current industry standards. The repowered turbine will function as a real-world training laboratory, ensuring students gain experience on modernized systems comparable to those used in active wind facilities.
This investment also delivers clear value to Mesalands’ industry partners, including Impact Wind, by strengthening the regional talent pipeline and improving workforce readiness.
“Our industry partners benefit directly from graduates who are trained on up-to-date equipment and prepared to step into the field with confidence,” said Joel Kiser, Vice President of Academic Affairs. “The turbine repower allows us to better align instruction with employer needs, reduce onboarding time, and provide a consistent pipeline of skilled technicians ready to support New Mexico’s growing wind energy sector.”
Mesalands’ wind energy program has long served as a workforce partner to regional and national energy companies, supporting economic development while helping employers meet the increasing demand for qualified technicians.
“This project reinforces the collaborative relationship between education and industry,” Kiser added. “It ensures our partners have access to trained professionals while our students graduate with relevant, hands-on experience that leads directly to employment.”
Mesalands Community College looks forward to continuing its partnership with federal leaders and industry stakeholders to advance workforce education, innovation, and sustainable energy solutions.
For more information about Mesalands Community College and its energy programs, visit www.mesalands.edu/o/mcc/page/wind-energy-technology1