The purpose of this research was to identify factors in the leadership of James Ralph Scales during his presidency at Wake Forest University, 1967-1983. The identification of these factors was made through a historical and biographical case study. A second purpose was to compare Scales' leadership factors with those of five selected leadership frameworks. The case study analysis identified Scales' leadership factors as (1) constancy of "fit" between his style, values, and personal history and the style, values, and history of the institution; (2) an unmistakable commitment to the faculty as central to academic excellence; (3) a persistent articulation of the core values of an intellectual community; (4) a tolerance for situations requiring the management of ambiguity; (5) a spirit of magnanimity; (6) an active promotion of a climate of "possibility" through debate and personal initiative; (7) a sense of humor and an attractive physical presence; (8) a habit of person centered communication; and (9) a willingness to take risks because of a trust in the institution's resources
