Educational, professional, and personal factors considered by prolific scholars as important in their high productivity were identified, along with work setting influences. Scholars were selected based on: the number of their periodical entries in selected journals during 1979-1983; nominations from knowledgeable sources such as journal editors; their current professional position; field of study; number of years since receipt of doctoral degree; and gender. Seven of 18 individuals selected for interviews were women; 12 were either faculty or institutional researchers, and 6 were administrators. A 19-item interview protocol was administered, which included questions about graduate school experiences, socialization patterns, family life influences, and personality traits that are positively related to research and publishing. In addition to significant relationships with colleagues, mentors, and family, patterns of scholarly activities were assessed, including time allocation for inquiry-related activities. Also considered were decision points during the career, and research-related coursework and experiences in graduate school. Six conclusions about prolific scholarship in higher education as a field of study are offered. (SW)