This chapter frames the history of the community college from a macro perspective, tells story the American Association of Community Colleges, and considers the leaders who have shaped the evolution of community college leadership imaginaries. We argue that the AACC has been an important part of the history of the American community college. Its leaders, through their speeches, articles, and other writings have shaped the nation’s understanding of the community college. And community college leaders have used AACC publications to challenge assumptions, provoke debate, and test new ideas about the community college. These speeches and writings have shaped norms for and expectations of those who lead the community college. Central to the purposes of this book, they have shaped the evolution of leadership imaginaries.