The latest developments in higher education point to a range of challenges to leadership: funding, consideration of the needs of a diverse student population, and preparation for an ever-changing workforce. Effective leadership in higher education is critical to the success of the institution and the people whom it serves. This study examines the characteristics, experiences, and strategies of Aspen Award award-winning community college presidents and chancellors. Specifically, the study builds on the grounded theory of the impact of visionary leadership and emotional intelligence on community college leadership as revealed in 20 in-depth semistructured interviews with award-winning presidents and chancellors. Analysis of the data from the interviews revealed themes focused on three categories: dominant, prominent, and distinctive. A grounded theory of the traits for being a successful leader emerged. The characteristics, experiences, and strategies that these presidents and chancellors shared substantiate foundational leadership traits for how to be a great leader for community colleges. [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.]