In the author's extensive research about leadership theories, higher education issues, and student outcomes, the success of several student affairs leaders became apparent. They all had worked at their institutions for an extended period of time and no precise leadership theory could describe their activities. A series of questions were identified to help explore how they arrived at their level of success. These questions considered: (1) the leadership strategies they employed; (2) the relationship between their professional backgrounds and their success; (3) the adjustments that had to be made to deal with the changing needs of students and their institutions; and (4) how leadership related to their success. Following an introduction, each remaining chapter features the individual story of a particular student affairs leader. These leaders include: Donald V. Adams (Drake University); David A. Ambler (University of Kansas); Carl E. Anderson (Howard University); William R. Butler (University of Miami); Thomas B. Dutton (University of California at Davis); Robert E. Etheridge (Miami University); Anne E. Golseth (Ohlone College); John J. Koldus, III (Texas A&M University); James W. Lyons (Stanford University); Alice R. Manicur (Frostburg State University); James J. Rhatigan (Wichita State University); Robert H. Shaffer (Indiana University); William L. Thomas, Jr. (University of Maryland); Carol A. Wiggins (University of Connecticut); and George W. Young (Broward Community College). Appendix A is Interview Guide. (Contains 34 references.) (JDM)