Florida is working to improve its university system's reputation at the same time that it faces increased demand for limited spaces, stiff civic competition for public funding, international political issues, continuing regional disagreement, and conflict between legislators and institutions. (MSE)

Backers of Western Governors University hope it will revolutionize the ways colleges compete for students, professors teach, and education is measured, and believe the virtual university can help contain the costs of educating growing numbers of students in the 16 participating states. However, the administration faces challenges in areas of…