A national conversation is underway about the long-term consequences of trends that are blurring the distinctions between public and private universities and leading to creation of a new, ad hoc category with characteristics of each--the "hybrid" university. One theme of this dialogue is that the public is abandoning its support for public higher education--in fact, "disinvesting"--and that public universities face a future of unplanned consequences and diminished opportunity. In this article, the author sets out his reasons for believing that, while the future is indeed uncertain, it may be a fruitful one for institutions ready to adapt to change and take advantage of every opportunity.