Findings from a study that examined stresses associated with the role of the university department chair are presented in this paper. The focuses are on career paths, transitions to the chair position, commitment to administration, role orientation, and strains of chairing. A survey of 808 department chairs in 101 research and doctoral-granting U.S. colleges and universities yielded 564 responses, a 70 percent return rate. Findings indicate that stress was primarily associated with time management, collegial confrontation, organizational constraints, and academic productivity. Suggestions for reducing stress in each area are offered, some of which include: identifying high and low payoff activities; facilitating faculty involvement in conflict resolution; establishing a research protection plan; and using creativity in interpreting regulations. Five tables are included. (29 references) (LMI)