This study intended to identify commonalities of fine arts programs at selected private liberal arts colleges and universities in order to ultimately develop an exemplary fine arts program in a similar setting. This study searched for answers to three research questions within the context of art, music, dance, and theatre. The first research question addressed what qualities are common to undergraduate fine arts programs. The second research question identified leadership skills and knowledge necessary in order to develop an exemplary fine arts program. Finally, what challenges, if any, affected the pursuit and achievement of quality and sustainability of the fine arts in a collegiate setting. A qualitative multiple-case study method was used to examine and describe the fine arts programs at two private liberal arts colleges and one private university of higher education in order to answer the above three research questions. The three private institutions selected are fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The geographical location of the institutions included New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and archival documents during the spring of 2013, and the findings resulted in five emerging themes in each category of quality, leadership skills, and challenges. The findings of the study provide a model for establishing a fine arts program at a private liberal arts college or university. The data collection from all three private institutions provided enough information to draw conclusions to successfully answer the three research questions. Based on emerging themes and conclusions, recommendations were made for establishing an exemplary fine arts program on the collegiate level. [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.]