A profile of the American college professor is presented, based on social science studies. The historical background is traced, with attention to the early development of the professorial role during the latter half of the eighteenth century, the progressive professionalization of the faculty during the nineteenth century, and the consolidation of the modern academic role during the post-World War I period. Demographic data on the growth and distribution of college faculty from World War II through 1979 are included. Attention is also directed to: choosing college teaching as a profession; securing an academic position and advancement; job changing between and within institutions; the norms that guide the academic career (academic freedom, professional autonomy, and the merit principle); career satisfaction; and retirement. Additional topics include: how faculty spend their time, with special attention to the research and teaching roles; faculty members' role in governance and in implementing educational innovations; job stresses and satisfactions; the teacher's personal and family life; and the special case of women and minority faculty. Appendices cover search and sampling procedures as well as data collection and analysis procedures. Chapter references are included. (SW)