Academic nurse leaders are essential to the success of nursing programs. This study aimed to explore the role development of academic nursing leaders in the United States. Several research gaps were identified from the literature review, and this study provided a more comprehensive and holistic insight into academic nurse leader development. Using a qualitative descriptive methodology with research questions framed by Kolb's experiential learning theory, eighteen participants with one year or more of experience in their current academic nursing leadership role were interviewed one-on-one via Zoom. Through qualitative descriptive content analysis, three themes emerged about the role development of academic nurse leaders: looking within, overcoming challenges, and becoming a successful leader. The findings of this study offer new insight into academic nurse leader role development that has not been shown in prior research. [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.]