Limited scholarly work has been conducted on the perceptions and experiences of industry professionals transitioning to full-time academic positions in US higher education institutions. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with former industry practitioners who transitioned to full-time academic roles to explore their motivations and challenges associated with the transition from industry to academia, as well as their desires to remain in higher education or return to the industry. Despite career-related challenges, participants valued collegial relationships and the direct impact on students, fostering a strong desire to remain in academia. They highlighted the need for improved leadership pertaining to preparation for academic careers, fair compensation, and enhanced training and mentoring support for working with students. This study provides valuable insights into the experiences of industry professionals in academia, emphasising the importance of comprehensive support and understanding in US higher education institutions.