Although women are making inroads into administrative positions in higher education, discrimination still is evident. To establish guidelines for the woman newly entering the administrative field, achieving women in higher education were surveyed to provide insights into their characteristics and the strategies they employed to attain their positions. Data from the 70 questionnaires showed that the majority of the women were between age 36 and 50, single or separated, and held an advanced degree. The women not only had supportive relationships but also supported other professional women. They held a high self-concept and had set goals for their careers. The higher the income, the greater was the respondent's perception of satisfaction with her coping skills, academic preparation, and supportive relationships. The findings suggest specific guidelines that women aspiring to positions in higher education administration should follow. (JAC)