This report analyzes the findings from an evaluation of the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, using data from interviews with leaders around Alabama and leaders from business, local and state government, news media, and education. Section 1 describes the approach taken to this required evaluation. Section 2 explains terminology used in the report. Section 3 describes seven principal findings, including: Alabama faces an extraordinary challenge to maintain its competitive position within the global economy and in the south and Alabama's leaders have not made a compelling case to the public about the critical link between higher/postsecondary education and their futures. Section 4 presents five recommendations, including: focus on a public agenda for the future of Alabama; link fiscal policy to the public agenda; and develop a new generation of quality assurance policies. Section 5 notes the critical role of the governor. Section 6 presents a summary and conclusions. Section 7 reviews common initiatives and accomplishments, highlighting access, excellence, accountability, and responsibility. Section 8 lists members of the Seventh Quadrennial Evaluation Committee. Section 9 lists participants in area discussion sessions. Section 10 presents the Commission statute. (SM)