The purpose of this study was to identify and understand the attributes--knowledge, skills, and competencies--that presidents expected in the Senior Student Affairs Officers (SSAO) at Catholic colleges in the Midwest. This qualitative study used in-depth interviews with presidents and senior student affairs officers to explore the knowledge, skills, and competencies of the SSAO that are expected of presidents at Catholic colleges with less than 5,000 students in the Midwest. Unlike their secular counterparts, Catholic colleges were the research sites for the study because of possible tensions between a more traditional approach to student development and supporting the mission and teachings of the Church. The leaders of Catholic colleges have the responsibility of supporting student development and learning outcomes while also furthering the mission and Catholic identity of the institution. Data analysis identified six attributes that are expected of presidents in the SSAO at Catholic colleges. The research also explored how foundational student affairs documents and Catholic teachings were integrated into the expected knowledge, skills, and competencies of the SSAO. The results of this study can inform the professional development needs and preparation SSAOs at Catholic colleges and can guide professional associations on the needs of SSAO leadership in Catholic higher education. [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.]