No other institution has played a more significant role in support of economic development in North Carolina than the North Carolina Community College System. Presented are three challenges that will define the System's future relevance in support of economic development: (1) its ability to stay ahead of the "tidal wave" that is technological change; (2) its capabilities in workforce development to address looming technical labor shortages; and (3) its ability to support regionalism trends in economic development. The reality of higher education for the future will be to educate for competencies and certifications of ability to perform. While technology must be embraced for its ability to deliver instruction over distance, it must not replace the emphasis on fundamental education. North Carolina must increase its workforce development efforts, working hand-in-hand with industry to turn change into opportunity by adding updated skills to the maturity, experience, and strong work ethic of displaced and underemployed workers. Regionalism places a premium on workforce development as a strategic economic development asset. If the community college of tomorrow is to continue to play its role as the preeminent institution for not only educational opportunity, but also economic development, it will be because of enlightened leaders. (VWC)