This report summarizes the views and attitudes toward higher education of 43 leaders from Detroit (Michigan), Memphis (Tennessee), Cherry Hill (New Jersey), and San Antonio (Texas). The study found that the leaders' views were nearly opposite of those held by the American public as reported in two related publications. These community leaders know a great deal about American higher education and they support its goals but they are extremely critical of how higher education implements its avowed mission and pursues its goals. Although both leaders and the general public emphasize the importance of higher education as preparation for work, leaders stress the importance of general education and the value of courses in the liberal arts as an aid to thinking and a means of better quality of life. Access to education for most Americans is seen as a question of income but community leaders see a continued impact of past social inequities. Leaders are also more critical of the quality of undergraduate and graduate education and the level of preparation evidenced by graduates. Leaders want a more accountable system and one that renews its historic leadership role in advancing social justice. They see financial pressures as increasing and new support coalitions developing. (JLS)