Dr. Deborah T. Curtis

Biography

Dr. Deborah T. Curtis has been a leader in the hospitality industry for over thirty years. Dr. Curtis is an associate professor for the College of Hospitality, Sport, and Tourism Management. As the faculty advisor to NU’s Chapter of the Club Management Association of America and the coordinator of the Lake Como Work abroad program, she has focused on coaching and developing individuals and organizations to reach their potential. Her hotel industry experience ranges from ownership of a 60 room property to Director of Sales and Marketing at a 500 room Hilton to National Sales Director with a Convention and Visitors Bureau.

She has worked with Travel Management companies, professional, collegiate and amateur teams, economy to luxury properties and industry associations in numerous countries, on four continents; she is both aware and appreciative of business, language, and cultural differences.

Deborah assisted in the development of the Statler Center for Careers in Hospitality Service, and continued to be the lead industry instructor in the program for over fifteen years. This intensive ten-week training program provides hospitality industry training and placement for those with physical disabilities; it draws students from throughout the United States. Dr. Curtis was awarded the National Statler Center Award for Excellence in Leadership.

Deborah was the Director of the Americas for the Leading Hotel Schools of the World. The Leading Hotel Schools of the World was an organization consisting of the world’s top hotel schools and academic institutions with dedicated hotel management programs. Under her leadership, a new organization, Hotel Schools of Distinction, was formed in 2014; this partnership with internationally renowned hospitality institutions; broadens the opportunities with additional hospitality industry partners.

Prior to narrowing her focus to teach and develop students within the College of Hospitality, Sports, and Tourism Management, Dr Curtis was the Vice President of the International Relations Office and the Brennan Center for Language, Culture and Leadership at Niagara University. She developed strategic initiatives and led Niagara University’s efforts in international growth, development and community outcomes.

Dr. Curtis earned a B.S. from College of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Niagara University, a M.S. in Education from Canisius College. She took doctoral classes at UNLV- Hotel Management and completed the University of Nevada, Reno’s Executive Development Program in Casino Management. Deborah earned a Doctorate in Business Administration, from the University of Sarasota.