Based on a 1996 national study of community college presidents, this monograph presents a snapshot of presidents' personal and professional characteristics. A preface describes the purpose of the study and reviews methodology, indicating that the Career and Lifestyle Survey (CLS) was sent to 926 presidents, resulting in 680 responses, and that in-depth telephone interviews were conducted with 13 presidents. Chapter 1 presents background information on the CLS and reviews general characteristics of past presidents involved in the foundation of colleges in the 1960s and 1970s. Chapter 2 presents findings related to respondents' personal characteristics, including: (1) demographics; (2) educational and family background; and (3) lifestyle factors, such as geographic mobility, social affiliations, and leisure activities. Chapter 3 focuses on professional characteristics including work background, professional activities and attitudes, employment status, and plans to leave the presidency. Chapter 4 summarizes comments from the 13 presidents interviewed regarding the community college mission, available resources, and existing threats. Chapter 5 provides a comparison of presidential characteristics by race and gender and reviews issues related to increasing the representation of women and minorities in the presidency. Chapter 6 reviews respondents' techniques for establishing and maintaining relationships with college boards and faculty. Chapter 7 addresses issues facing college leaders in the next four or five years and respondents' strategies for preparing for the future. The CLS and telephone interview questions are appended. (BCY)