Globally, university faculty report difficulties communicating with administrators. In the United States faculty have a need for effective communication. The problem addressed in this study is that communications between faculty and administrators has long been a concern in higher education, and more recently, the rise of online communications combined with the top down nature of higher education has increased the challenges for good communication. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to examine the experiences and perceptions of higher education faculty and administrators regarding effective administrator and faculty interpersonal face-to-face and online communication. The sample was two administrators purposely selected from a higher educational institution in a northeastern state. Face-to-face interviews were used to collect qualitative data about effective interpersonal communication. Findings were that administrators perceive that interpersonal communication whether face-to-face or online between the administrators and faculty is essential. However, both participants experienced problems in communicating through emails with their faculty. They suggested that online communication in higher educational institutions could be improved through trustworthiness and by using emails in a way that reduces the chances to be misunderstood and misinterpreted. This connotes sending emails by the administrators that are clear, simplified, sent in a timely manner, and the need for the faculty to understand and appreciate the intent of the administrator are crucial factors in this context. Suggestions for further research include replicating this study with a larger sample size of administrators and faculty. [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.]