Understandably, current discussions about access that take place in higher education circles often focus on the underrepresentation of students from low-income families. At the same time, recent events in Michigan have refocused attention on questions of race- and gender-based affirmative action. Thus, how can higher education ensure that students from all backgrounds not only enroll in college, but also excel? In this article, the author states that finding answers--indeed creating answers--to this question, especially in the light of transforming demographic shifts in America, is clearly in the nation's interest. (Contains 25 notes.)