Colleges and universities are becoming active participants in planning, development and revitalization efforts in their communities to improve ills such as crime, poverty, and homelessness. This thesis highlights the positive role of historic preservation in redevelopment efforts by assessing the role and extent of historic preservation planning and practice at six universities: University of Pennsylvania; Union College; Trinity College; Duke University; Ohio State University; and Mercer University. Included are a synopsis of the history and function of institutions of higher education, overview of the physical college campus, history of town and gown relations, and case studies. Based on this analysis, a series of best practices and recommendations for college and university officials, preservation practitioners, local government representatives and neighborhood advocates is presented as a guide for developing healthy town and gown partnerships to effect preservation-based neighborhood revitalization.