The author never planned to work at a college, but she finds she is vice president of student development at a community college; she served previously as assistant to the dean of academic services, as registrar, and as dean of enrollment management. She started her career in health care administration, and her master's was in public administration, so her only higher education experience was as a student and graduate research assistant. Lately, she has realized that the key to success in higher education administration is not only learning subjects but also consistently applying some basic management strategies. Thinking through those strategies led to four epiphanies: (1) Modeling is more than looking good; (2) Talent scouts and casting directors aren't only in Hollywood; (3) Cut the losses; and (4) Don't be held hostage by the staff or by other managers.