A study was undertaken to develop a profile of department and division chairs appointed during the 1995-96 academic year in Texas institutions of higher education. Survey results were used to determine chairs' perceptions of the transition process into their new roles and to find methods to facilitate that transition. Questionnaires were distributed to 193 newly appointed chairs, requesting information on their characteristics and experiences in making the transitions. Study findings for the community college chairs, based on completed surveys received from 59 individuals, included the following: (1) 71.2% of the new community college chairs were white and 10.2% were black, while 44% were between 50 and 59 years of age; (2) 39% of the new chairs responding reported being female, a reflection of the general male/female composition of community college faculties; (3) 20.3% held a doctorate degree, while 84.7% were in tenured positions; (4) in tracking the new chairs, 12% lasted only one year in the job and 29% lasted only 2 years; (5) only 6 new chairs reported that formal training was required to prepare them for the position, while 57.6% indicated that it took them 6 months to feel comfortable in their job; and (6) 62.7% would not recommend that others take a chair position. Data tables and the survey instrument are appended. (Contains 12 references.) (BCY)