As Nevada struggles in this difficult time of recession and high unemployment, it is time to acknowledge that only through a robust and adequately funded education infrastructure and, in particular, higher education will the State ever achieve the diversification and growth all Nevadans need. Nevada must make a long term commitment to excellence in its colleges and universities and to the level of funding necessary to support that excellence. In the immediate circumstances, however, it is incumbent on the State's public colleges and universities, its primary economic engine, to examine carefully how they can perform within the limited resources available today, ensuring that the State is positioned as best as it can be to recruit, retain, and grow the industries and businesses needed for a brighter future. This paper proposes a plan for promoting greater efficiencies and enhanced performance that will translate directly to more students graduating with degrees or certificates to build the State's economy.