Perspectives on higher education in Montana as viewed by the governor are presented. After briefly noting historical trends in Montana and the United States regarding education, concerns and trends in higher education are noted as follows: accountability to the public for how tax dollars are spent; evidence that there will be decreased demand for traditional higher education on the part of high school graduates; nontraditional students, including adults and women, pursuing schooling at all levels of higher education; the possibility of excess capacity in physical facilities at all educational levels; financial difficulties as educational costs continue to rise while enrollments decrease; and problems in the ability of institutions to be innovative in responding to needs and demands for new programs. It is suggested that only with precise enrollment projections, perhaps to 1990, can decisions concerning university planning occur. There is a need for continual review of objectives and programs of higher education units and for collaboration and innovation among university system units. Examples of the types of efforts required for improved management of educational resources in Montana include: a long-range plan for a coordinated system of higher education, including public and private institutions; the development of a coordinated system to provide appropriate opportunities for vocational, technical, and general continuing education and training; the development of new ways to provide heat, light, and power; the development of a plan to encourage maximum use of underutilized school facilities for nonschool purposes; and an effort to solve the reading difficulties among children and adults in Montana. (SW)