In an attempt to identify the characteristics exhibited by the exceptional community college teacher, this study examined applications for the U.S. Professors of the Year Award, a national competition that annually rewards four professors-one each from community colleges, baccalaureate colleges, master's universities, and research universities-with a $5,000 check and recognition. All candidates nominated from 1995-97 were reviewed, with special attention paid to demographics, gender, degrees attained, and other descriptive information about the nominees. The study looked in more depth at 13 candidates from 1997, exploring the ways in which their teaching was characterized by the candidates themselves, their current and former students, institutional administrators, and academic colleagues. Four general areas in which the nominees excelled were: promotion of student success, service beyond the classroom, innovative teaching, and professional development. This analysis shows that, clearly, these teachers have had a strong impact on their students emotionally as well as intellectually, and have gained trust and admiration across the campus community. Sections of the report include: (1) the U.S. Professors of the Year Program; (2) Who Are the Nominees?; (2) the Meaning of Excellence in Community College Teaching; (3) Promoting Students' Success; (4) Service Beyond the Classroom; (5) Innovative Teaching; (6) Professional Development; and (7) Words of Praise. Appended is a list of 44 descriptive words used in letters of recommendation. (AS)