This dissertation focuses on the relative shortage of female senior leaders in higher education compared to men and the potential effect of gender and personality traits on the timeline to promotion. The primary research question asked was "do gender and personality type predict time to promotion in higher education?" The research methodology used was quantitative with the independent variables being personality traits and gender and the dependent variable being timeline to promotion. The target population was men and women across the United States who currently hold a position of either president, superintendent, chancellor, vice president, vice superintendent, vice chancellor, chief, or another senior leadership role in a community college with a minimum of five years of leadership experience. The data analysis was conducted using a stepwise multiple regression procedure. The findings based on the calculated results revealed that the five personality traits together with gender did not show a statistically significant difference in predicting time to promotion in higher education. Similarly, each of the five personality traits taken separately (and combined with gender) did not show a statistically significant difference in predicting time to promotion in higher education. The findings suggest that other factors play a role in helping one to become promoted into a senior leadership position within a higher education institution. This holds importance in understanding how mentors, professional development, and an institution's organizational structure are elements that have been recognized in previous research and should be further evaluated for their level of influence in an individual's timeline to promotion. [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://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]