A collection of essays, three of which are based on speeches presented at the annual meeting of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), discusses the urban mission of state colleges and universities in relation to current issues in community and economic development. The role of urban colleges and universities has become increasingly important since the 1960s, when opportunities for postsecondary education became synonymous with equal opportunity. Since the establishment of the AASCU's first office of urban affairs among higher education associations in 1968, this office has served as a central source of information on urban colleges and universities, advocating their special concerns. The essays are as follows: "Public Expectations of Higher Education Beyond 1984" (Andrew Young); "Enhancing Cooperation Between City Government and Higher Education" (Alan Beals); "Excellence in Education Through Partnerships" (W. W. Herenton); and "Can the Urban University Respond?" (Alfred B. Rollins, Jr.). (SM)