In an effort to determine the necessary components of an effective higher education administration program, an exploratory study was conducted of practicing senior-level academic administrators regarding their perceptions of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for effective community college academic administration. An open-ended survey was distributed to a random sample of 160 two-year academic vice presidents or deans, receiving responses from 47% (n=76) and resulting in 308 codeable responses. Thirty-eight percent (n=23) of the respondents were female; 61% (n=37) had a doctorate degree; and 49% of those doctorate degrees were in higher education. Results indicated that the knowledge and skill area most frequently considered necessary was the need for contextual competence, or the understanding of the environment in which higher education administration is practiced. This area received 175 responses. Further, competence in communication received 105 responses, interpersonal competence 108 responses, and technical competence 105. The results of the study shed little light on necessary attitudes, other than one of openness and receptivity to change. Based on study findings, higher education doctoral programs should offer courses in budget and finance, college teaching, curriculum, computers and instructional technology, and group dynamics. A list of the competencies and attitudes included in the survey instrument is appended. (TGI)