In 1969, the Stonewall riots in New York City marked the launch of the liberation movement for the LGBTQ+ community. In the years that followed, the fight for equal rights and inclusion has permeated society, the court system, professional settings, and academic institutions. The role of colleges and universities, particularly historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), in fostering change and building inclusive initiatives that solicit inclusion has steadily been a struggle. A study conducted by the Rutgers Center for Minority Serving Institutions with the Human Rights Campaign revealed that though more HBCUs have either full-time staff or LGBTQ+ centers, programs, and organizations than ever before, there is still a significant issue with enacting policies, initiatives, and support that foster inclusion at these institutions. However, the Rutgers Center for Minority Serving Institutions research also noted several HBCUs that have successfully integrated positive organizational change initiatives that foster inclusion for the LGBTQ+ campus community. This phenomenological qualitative research examined leaders from successful colleges and universities in the southeastern region of the United States. Furthermore, through Teller's appreciative leadership lotus model, this research established a profile of inclusive characteristics that have propelled these leaders to establish organizational change initiatives that foster an inclusive environment on their campus. [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.]