This study explored the process of implementing the 2005 - 2010 strategic plan at a small, private college in Michigan. As competition grows in the industry of higher education and small, private institutions attempt to maintain or grow revenue streams; institutions must find ways to successfully implement their strategic initiatives. If administrators and institutions are to put their strategic plans into action, they must do so by studying other institutions that have successfully implemented strategic plans. The purpose of this study was to study the process of implementing a strategic plan. The results of this study indicate that there were three main reasons for successful implementation. First, the leadership was in place to create and communicate the strategic plan and its goals. Second, the president created a new culture on campus of appreciation, change and direct communication. Finally, the president set expectations and held employees accountable to those expectations which contributed to the new culture on campus. These three areas allowed for ideas to be generated and implemented. This study provides examples from one institution that other colleges and universities may be able to use to better understand tactics for implementing strategic initiatives.