In an informal address, this David Jacks Professor of Higher Education offers a historical review of decision-making in American higher education. This discussion centers around these milestones: the founding of Harvard in 1636; the first alumni gift in 1648; faculty organization in 1725; annual subventions for state universities in 1805; the Dartmouth College Case in 1819, which distinguished between public and private institutions; the first self-study in 1825; the 1828 Yale Report; the 1862 Land Grant College Act; the recognition of research in 1876; the beginning of graduate school domination over undergraduate education in 1890; and the establishment of two-year colleges in 1921. It is concluded that decision-making historically has been a function of all participants, including faculty members, students, alumni, administrators, trustees, professional organizations, accreditation bodies, government, and the public. (LBH)