Dr. Kurt A. Stahura

Biography

Dr. Kurt A. Stahura is a Professor within the College of Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management at Niagara University. Prior to returning to the faculty, he served as the Niagara Global Tourism Institute Scholar and the Director of Research for the NGTI. The Institute was based upon four pillars: 1) Research 2) Workforce skills development 3) Technology and 4) Entrepreneurship. The institute conducted practical analysis and served the needs of the community analyzing possible avenues for economic development to bring together public and private entities.

He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (B.A.) and his M.A. and Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota where he graduated with high honors (Phi Kappa Phi). Prior to his present position at Niagara University he served as the Managing Director for UNLV-Singapore which was part of the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). He has also served as a Dean, Assistant Dean, Program Director and as a Director for Academic and Student Affairs over the course of his administrative and academic career. Dr. Stahura is committed to academic excellence, the advancement of scholarship, civic engagement, and the development of the whole person as students embark on their journey as global citizens in a diverse world.

As a scholar and tenured faculty member Dr. Stahura teaches courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level in Leisure, Tourism, Sport, Organizational Behavior, Research Methods, Leadership and Intercultural Communication. He has also conducted research on a variety of cultural and social trends in leisure, hospitality, tourism, and sport. Dr. Stahura served as a journal editor and been on a number of editorial boards. He has chaired over 50 dissertations, master’s theses, and interdisciplinary honors projects. He has published over 40 articles appearing in regional, national and international journals and has delivered over 130 presentations and conference keynote speeches. In 2016, The Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research, acknowledged Dr. Stahura and his co-authors with the best academic paper for the 2015-16 academic year. The article focused upon marketing and social media.

Dr. Stahura has also been involved extensively in executive education creating a bridge between the academy and industry. He has developed partnerships with businesses, community organizations and outside agencies regionally, nationally and internationally. His scholarly pursuits and consulting expertise have brought him to countries throughout Asia, Europe and South America as well as around the United States. Dr. Stahura has also provided consulting assistance on issues surrounding educational program development, organizational structuring, and cultural communication.

Educational Background

• Ph.D. Leisure Studies (Tourism Mgmt.)/Sport Mgmt., Phi Kappa Phi (High Honors), University of Minnesota, 2000
• M.A. Leisure Studies (Tourism Mgmt.)/Sport Mgmt., University of Minnesota, 1995
• B.A. History/ History of Culture (Sociology), University of Wisconsin, 1990