Individuals in academia are happier working in environments that aid their balancing of personal and professional lives (Noor, 2011). However, there is major dissatisfaction with the higher education workplace because of an imbalance with the home and work life (Ryan & Peters, 2015). Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine professional and personal balance in two-year higher education institutions. The overarching research question for this inquiry is: How do community colleges foster a work-family culture? Through a qualitative research method, this study will be guided by three primary questions: (1) How do higher education institutions utilize policies to foster family-friendly cultures? (2) What are the lived experiences of middle managers in higher education in implementing strategies to achieve professional and personal balance? (3) What are the lived experiences of middle managers in higher education in balancing their professional and personal lives? [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]