Mesalands Community College

Mesalands Community College is a small public community college based in Tucumcari, New Mexico, known for applied technical programs and a distinctive palaeontology curriculum. The college operates the Mesalands Dinosaur Museum and Natural Science Laboratory as part of its educational and public outreach activities.

The institution offers certificate and associate-level programs in areas such as paleontology, wind energy technology and allied technical subjects, with emphasis on hands-on fieldwork and laboratory training. The museum displays fossils and research material from regional fieldwork and supports student-led excavations and conservation work.

Mesalands’ palaeontology program and museum are among the features that draw visitors and students interested in earth sciences and fossil preparation.

The college is located in Tucumcari in eastern New Mexico along Interstate 40 and serves students from the region and beyond.

• Academic focus: Offers specialised applied programs including palaeontology and wind-energy technology, with hands-on field and lab components.
• Public museum: The on-site Dinosaur Museum is open to the public and is integral to the college’s palaeontology training and fieldwork.

What to See#

• Campus facilities: A small college campus in Tucumcari that includes teaching facilities and laboratory space focused on technical and applied programs.
• Dinosaur Museum and lab: The Mesalands Dinosaur Museum and Natural Science Laboratory, operated in association with the college, showcasing fossils and palaeontology work.