A fundamental factor in the internal dynamics of a college is its culture. Central to understanding organizational culture is to minimize the occurrence and consequences of cultural conflict and help foster the development of shared goals. Modifying organizational culture is important. Without culture change, there is little hope of enduring improvement in organizational performance. When leaders understand the important connection between culture and strategy, they are better able to act in the abstruse environment in which higher education currently finds itself. Academic leaders sometimes struggle because they move too fast, too unilaterally, or without full appreciation of the power of cultural norms and traditions to enable others to buy into their plans. The lack of understanding regarding the role of organizational culture in improving management and institutional performance inhibits a leader's ability to address the challenges that face higher education. How effective an organization functions is related to its culture. There is strong consistency in both two-year and four-year institutions in the manner by which organizational effectiveness is related to culture. Organizational culture influences effectiveness by contributing to the solution of both external adaptation and internal integration issues. Because of the changing educational environment, institutional culture must evolve for an organization to remain competitive. Current challenges with organizational culture are not determined by whether to change but how to change to increase organizational effectiveness. Many efforts to improve organizational effectiveness fail because the fundamental culture of the organization remains the same. This qualitative study used historiography methodology to investigate how and why culture changes have occurred at Jefferson College, a two-year community college located in Hillsboro, Missouri. The culture of Jefferson College will be explored in relation to organizational effectiveness as well as significant events throughout its history. It includes historical events and leadership changes of Jefferson College and the impact each has had on organizational culture and effectiveness. [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.]