The higher education industry is dynamic and has been changing rapidly over the last 20 years. With decreasing government funding, increasing pressure from accreditation agencies, and pressing competition from for-profit institutions, there is a need for new leadership skills for college administrators. The traditional leadership theories such as trait, contingency, situational, and transformational are not adaptive enough to analyze today’s competitive environment. A proposed new leadership model, the new leadership competency theory (NLCT), is based on the need for college administers to handle challenges while also motivating employees. The model utilizes a checklist to assist leaders in evaluating their own strengths and identifying competencies needed to be successful.