This article uses the case of Michigan State College (MSC) to reconsider understanding of reform in the general education movement. Using the lens of MSC, the author argues that reform in the general education movement operated in a matrix of influence that involved educational research, philanthropy, and (both inter- and intra-) institutional cooperation rather than a top-down channeling of reform from "prestigious institutions"; involved a cyclical interplay between national discussions and local implementation that changed the method and content of both processes; often resulted in meritocratic structures and practices; and involved a selling of ideas from institutional actors to the larger public. To demonstrate these facets of reform, this article focuses on the creation and implementation of a new MSC administrative unit responsible for general education: the "Basic College." It begins by establishing the origins of this reform and portrays national discussions being shaped by "and" shaping locally implemented reforms. Next, it examines the notion of sectioning and the experiences of veterans to illustrate meritocratic ideas at work in the curricular structure. Finally, it examines the advertisement of the course to the citizens of Michigan to demonstrate the selling of the reforms to the public. (Contains 115 notes.)