Through an ethnographic approach, the perceptions of female college presidents from the northeastern region of the United States regarding leadership styles and the characteristics to become and remain the chief executive officer of a college were investigated. Six presidents from various types of four-year colleges were interviewed. Themes, patterns, and discrepancies were found in their perceptions of leadership styles and the characteristics crucial in attaining and remaining president of a four-year college. Themes and patterns emerged in leadership styles. A preference for transformational and androgynous leadership styles was found. Themes and patterns were found regarding mentors, and informal mentors who provide encouragement were favored. Discrepancies in themes and patterns regarding barriers to career advancement in higher education were found in gender-related barriers, and the belief of the existence of a glass ceiling indicated that for women, barriers do exist. Parental encouragement, pursuing graduate school, an earned doctorate, having a varied career background, and having a broad range of experience were important factors in attaining the presidency. Undergraduate and graduate majors were either in humanities or the social science. Both undergraduate and graduate education played a significant role in the attainment of the college presidency. Recommendations for aspiring and current female presidents include examining their leadership styles, overcoming gender-related barriers, seeking mentorship, and having a broad range of experience and education. Recommendations for future study included conducting the same study in another region, conducting a similar study with students, faculty, and administrators, conducting a study focusing on the educational majors of women and men in the presidency, conducting a study on the effects of informal mentorships, and conducting a study that will examine structural barriers, both implicit and explicit that perpetuate gender-related barriers toward women. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]