This paper discusses three ways of structuring community college governmental bodies and describes the benefits of a combined approach to governance. To remain true to their purpose of serving the community, governing bodies for two-year colleges must consist of representatives from the surrounding community. Although community college governing boards vary from state to state, they follow three patterns, based on the funding source: school districts, county, or state. Representatives from the funding source make up the governing board, and are often elected or nominated by committee. Most institutions rely upon three types of models of governance: bureaucratic, shared authority, and political. In the bureaucratic model, control is delegated downward through the institution. The shared authority model allows for joint participation throughout the organization, and can enhance the governing body by strengthening participant support of the decision-making process. In the political model, the governing body's power emanates from special interest groups so as to benefit the community at-large, but is susceptible to political influences on board members, which could undermine institutional goals. Ultimately, by combining the three models of governance, the boards can actively participate in institutional decision-making while maintaining a leadership role and upholding their responsibilities to the institution and the community. (Contains 12 references.) (CB)