The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived level of skill development of professional staff (consisting of new professionals, midlevel managers, and senior administrators) at a private university in a Middle Atlantic state. The secondary purpose of this study was to determine the activities and methods respondents prefer to use to develop skills and competencies while preparing for future roles within the organization. This quantitative study replicated an earlier study by Fishbeck (2006), "Professional Development Needs of Student Affairs Professionals Within the North Dakota University System," who examined the perceptions of student affairs professionals and the attainment of various skills in 10 competency categories and the activities they used to improve skills and professional development. While Fishbeck's study focused on student affairs professionals within a large state-wide university system, this study focused on all nonacademic professional staff at a large private university in a Middle Atlantic state with a multicampus structure. By examining six research questions, it was determined there were significant differences between administrative levels (new professionals, midlevel managers, and senior administrators). Overall, technology and communication were the areas in which professional staff felt they had the most mastery. In addition, professional staff used a variety of methods and activities to increase their skills and maintain professional competence. This study contributes to the body of literature concerning nonacademic professional staff and their competency development. This study provides recommendations to the private university that was researched and higher education institutions on the types of activities professional staff prefer to improve their competencies and skills. Since this research was conducted at one large private university in a Middle Atlantic state, it should be replicated at other postsecondary institutions to broaden the potential assumptions for professional staff. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]