This chapter contribution describes a program of research investigating leadership in the context of university-based cooperative research centers (URCs). S. Bartholomew Craig, Clara E. Hess, Jennifer Lindberg McGinnis, and Denis O. Gray report the results of four studies. Study 1 used content analysis of qualitative interview data to identify 15 categories of center director performance. Study 2 used the categories identi fi ed in Study 1 to create a standardized multisource (360°) leadership performance assessment instrument, which was subsequently re fi ned to measure 10 dimensions of directors' leadership performance. Study 3 applied cluster analysis to scores from the new instrument to identify four distinct "types" of center directors, based on their patterns of leadership performance. Study 4 investigated the relations between center directors' leadership performance and their personality scores as assessed with the Five Factor Model of personality. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for knowledge of leadership processes within URCs, selection and development of center directors, and for future research efforts. For complementary examinations, see the chapter contributions by Rivers & Gray and by Davis and colleagues on center leaders' industry member marketing practices and relations with university administrators, respectively.