Describes the development of Utah's five public community colleges, which are governed by a single state board of regents. Discusses current issues including managing enrollment, ensuring educational access and quality, providing upper division access, increasing institutional cooperation, establishing new institutions, and implementing…

Reviews the literature on community colleges and private universities, applying principles of strategic management to these environments. States that private universities have the flexibility to offer a specialized program of study at a premium price, while community colleges are better able to offer low-cost services to a large group of students.…

Presents institutional profiles of New Mexico's 17 two-year colleges, extolling the diversity in size, scope, governance structures, and students. Includes information on the colleges' missions, programs, students, and funding. Discusses future key issues such as educational cooperation and the need for a statewide community college system. (AJL)