Based on background research, interviews, and a public hearing held in Durango (Colorado) in March 1993, this report addresses issues regarding minority retention at Fort Lewis College in Durango and, to a lesser extent, at Adams State College in Alamosa. Due to limited information about Adams State College, none of the recommendations address that institution. The introduction examines demographics for minorities in higher education at the national level and in Colorado. In Colorado, minority participation in higher education follows national trends; rates of enrollment, persistence, and graduation are much lower for African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans than for Whites. The next two chapters describe aspects of Fort Lewis and Adams State Colleges respectively, including college history; enrollment, persistence, and graduation rates; minority faculty recruitment; campus and community attitudes; and student support services. Native American students make up 10% of the student body at Fort Lewis, while Hispanics comprise 25% of students at Adams State. The last chapter presents findings and recommendations. Despite commendable retention programs, persistence and graduation rates for Native Americans at Fort Lewis College are well below those of other racial groups at the school, and are approximately half those of Native American students in other Colorado institutions. Recommendations include a holistic approach by the school; enlistment of support from the student body, staff, and faculty; comprehensive cultural sensitivity training for faculty; efforts to recruit minority faculty; enlarged peer and career counseling programs; early recognition of academic successes; and efforts to reduce racial tensions on campus and in the community. (TD)