America's public universities educate 80% of our nation's college students. But in the wake of rising demands on state treasuries, changing demographics, growing income inequality, and legislative indifference, many of these institutions have fallen into decline. Tuition costs have skyrocketed, class sizes have gone up, the number of courses…

Focus in this book is on the years 1969 to 1972, a period in which the substantial good will existing between higher education and state capitols became strained by budget conflict and student unrest. Decisional case analyses are provided of the budgeting process, state aid to private colleges and community colleges, student unrest legislation,…