This brief report describes efforts of the Oklahoma State Regents to accelerate positive academic change in the state's higher education system with a combination of strengthened admission, retention, and assessment standards. The first section presents the state's problem of lagging performance during the late 1980s, as indicated by data showing poor comparative performance with similar institutions, inadequate college preparation of college-bound students and college freshmen, and mismatches of students and colleges. The second section then explains the comprehensive policy approach and specific policy steps taken by the state to strengthen quality and broaden access by enhancing student preparation for college and improving college student performance. The third section lists some current indicators that show positive student outcomes. These include better student preparation for college (e.g., more high school students are taking the 13-unit core academic curriculum and freshmen are better prepared for college level work) and greater college student success (as indicated by lower student dropout rates and higher graduation rates). A table then compares profiles of student preparation, fall enrollment, dropout rates, graduation rates, and degrees awarded for 1987 and 1996, with all figures showing improvement. (DB)