In the United States, professors are promoted linearly through a classification system of assistant, associate, and full professor. The highest award of the title of full professor indicates significant contributions have been made in research, teaching, and service/outreach. However, some professors may stay at the second tier of associate. The purpose of this study was to investigate the reasons why ten associate professors have spent nine or more years in this position when the typical timeframe is around seven. Data was gathered through the collection of artifacts such as CVs and one-hour long interviews. A qualitative style was chosen to understand views and perceptions of participants. Methodological rigor applied in this study to enhance credibility and trustworthiness incorporated (a) triangulation, (b) audit trail (c) peer debriefer, and (d) constant comparison. Miles and Huberman's four-stage process was used for analysis. Findings suggest associate professors have not been promoted as there was insufficient publications and conflict with the administration. Future practitioners entering the profession should be aware of factors inhibiting promotion.