Career paths in student affairs generally follow a conventional course: graduate degree to entry-level position, progressive responsibility until middle management, and then a decision to remain, work to advance, or change fields. Studies on factors influencing career advancement have enlightened qualitative considerations individuals face when moving up, however, few studies have quantitatively shown which positions and/or experiences lead to the most reliable paths to becoming a senior student affairs officer (SSAO). This study examined the relationship between three experiences research has individually, though not collectively, revealed as important to becoming SSAO: being director of a functional area, being dean of students, and obtaining a doctorate. (Contains 1 figure.)