A report on two- and four-year colleges in New Mexico is presented, including 50 recommendations of the Governor's Commission on Higher Education. An overview of higher education in the state and the different types of state-supported colleges is provided. Excellence in state institutions is discussed, with attention to governing boards; presidents and administrators; staffs; faculty teaching, research, and service; students, libraries and facilities; and alumni and private support. To address the extent of unnecessary duplication in the state, distinct roles and missions of the various kinds of institutions are delineated. Program review and quality control as mechanisms to eliminate and prevent unnecessary duplication are also considered. Attention is directed to equal opportunity for higher education and training, as well as faculty and administrative jobs. Specific concerns include admissions and retention, financial barriers, and the barriers of sex and ethnicity. Faculty and staff compensation and 1984 funding recommendations are also covered, along with current and future funding levels needed to promote excellence, and statewide and institutional governance. Appendices include five articles, a report presented to the Commission, and a list of position and issue papers presented to the Commission. (SW)