February 15, 2023 – Tucumcari, NM- Community College Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Allen Moss as temporary acting President, Tuesday evening (February 14, 2023) during the Board of Trustees meeting. The Board of Trustees also approved the implementation of an emergency solvency plan for the College.

Dr. Moss recently moved to Tucumcari, New Mexico from Missouri where he was Superintendent of the Houston School District for six years. Prior to that, he was the Superintendent of the Couch School district for four years. Dr. Allen Moss has extensive experience in leadership and education receiving his Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) from Lindenwood University in Saint Charles, Missouri.

Dr. Moss moved to Tucumcari for his wife’s health, his daughter joining soon after, a teacher at Tucumcari High School and Middle School. Dr. Moss had been working at Mesalands Community College as the Executive Director of Corrections and Dual Enrollment when he was asked to step into the role of temporary acting President. The dual enrollment and correctional programs had seen significant success in the last year under Dr. Moss’s leadership, leading to higher enrollment and increased opportunities for student success.

“I and the Executive Staff have the utmost confidence in Dr. Moss and his ability to lead the College through this difficult time,” stated Dr. Duane Brooks, Chief of Staff of Mesalands College.

Mesalands Community College is working closely with the New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED) under an Enhanced Fiscal Oversight Plan (EFOP). The plan closely monitors the financial health of the College and provides resources to ensure the success of its students and its overall mission to the community. Mesalands Community College is committed to transparency and accountability in partnership with the New Mexico Higher Education Department to rectify any practices that may jeopardize the College and the students it serves. 

The appointment of Dr. Moss and implementation of the emergency solvency plan are critical first steps in securing the future of Mesalands Community College.

“First, I am extremely grateful and humbled to be asked to step into this role.  My top priority is to the students and ensure they are successful. My second, is to help the staff, faculty, and the community to come together in successfully navigating the challenges that lay ahead. I look forward to working with the New Mexico Higher Education Department (HED) in shepherding the College to a successful solvent future.” Dr. Moss stated.

As temporary acting President, Dr. Moss maintains the authority of the President to ensure instruction and business continues for the benefit of the students and the community.