Never before have community colleges received so much attention and recognition. From modest beginnings at the start of the twentieth century, community colleges have become the largest, most affordable, and most responsive sector of American higher education. Policy makers, media, and the public in general seem to have only now discovered community colleges, which have been put in a spotlight by President Barack Obama and leading national foundations as important to the economic prosperity of the United States. With increased attention comes increased scrutiny, however. What will be expected of community colleges, and how can they best respond, especially given severe financial limitations? What are their most pressing challenges, and what opportunities are ahead for college leaders? In the complex environment in which community colleges operate today and in which they will operate in the future, the challenges seem almost overwhelming. However, these challenges present opportunities for leaders to strengthen their colleges and thereby the communities they serve. America's community colleges have become the envy of other nations throughout the world. Their continued success will depend on those who lead and govern these unique institutions. (Contains 1 figure.)