This study is an analysis of trends in public higher education and their probability and desirability for the 1970's as perceived by persons in positions of leadership in public higher education. The purposes of this study were (1) to identify the major trends in public higher education in the United States, (2) to assess the opinions of persons in positions of leadership in the public four-year colleges and universities in Texas, (3) to determine if there were significant differences in opinions of the probability and desirability of trends for the 1970's, and (4) to develop projections of the most probable and the most desirable trends for the 1970's.

The purpose of this study is to present a historical account of the Dallas County Community College District and to analyze and interpret the role of the political process in the District's relations with governmental agencies and civic groups. On May 25, 1965, the voters approved a $41.5 million bond issue, established a county-wide junior college district, and appointed a seven-member Board of Trustees. Secondary accounts were consulted, but the emphasis was on such primary sources as official documents of the District, publications of the District, newspaper accounts, interviews, and relevant materials from the Office of Public Information. It may be concluded that the Dallas District is a recognized leader in the community college movement. A key to its success is that it is student- and community centered. The district has experienced a rapid and tranquil growth but there may be a greater diversity of views expressed with the change in the composition of the Board.