The influence of institutional culture on the selection of college presidents was investigated at three Catholic colleges sponsored by women's religious communities. The concepts of institutional saga and culture were used to describe the dynamics at work in presidential selection. The constant comparative method and triangulation (i.e., using multiple data sources to verify findings) were used to analyze institutional data that included transcripts from taped interviews, field notes, and copies of documents. While all three colleges used the same rational search committee process, the dynamics of the search were determined by institutional values, key institutional events, and the attitude of the college community toward the incumbent. At one of the colleges, where institutional culture was very strong, the presidential search was direct and straightforward. Another college that had a moderately strong culture also had an uncomplicated search. The weak culture of the remaining college meant there was no unified perception of the institution or the qualities of the leader that was needed. In the three cases, the general strength of the culture affected the clarity and focus of the search process. (SW)