Amy Kurfist
Amy Kurfist, PhD
Higher Education Research and Strategy Consultant
Now a renowned voice in higher education, Amy Kurfist, PhD wields two decades of professional experience, beginning in the investment banking industry. Wielding a Bachelor of Science in communications from Boston University, where she graduated cum laude in 2002, she cut her teeth as a compliance paralegal at Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. in New York City for two years before advancing to vice president of roadshow coordination at the firm. She then earned a Master of Business Administration from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, followed by years of success as an associate director at UBS Investment Bank and as the vice president and head of U.S. Equity Marketing at BMO Capital Markets.
Dr. Kurfist subsequently made the decision to transition into a new career. Despite achieving great success in her industry, she chose to follow her true passion and pursued a doctorate in higher education, and making an impact on people’s lives as a result, at Old Dominion University. In the midst of his studies, she served as the marketing director of Academic Perspectives in Higher Education and a graduate assistant in the Department of Educational Foundations and Leadership at the school’s Darden College of Education between 2016 and 2018.
After earning her degree in 2019, and being awarded Outstanding Doctoral Student in Higher Education, she joined Hanover Research in Arlington, Virginia, which provides high-quality research and analytics to support education-related efforts, as a content director for higher education. From 2020 to 2024, she served as a Higher Education Senior Research Adviser at Hanover Research. She looks forward to advancing her work in higher education as a consultant, through which she takes pride in the meaningful work she carries out each day.
Attributing her success and achievement to the unwavering support of her family, Dr. Kurfist grew up in New Jersey in an environment that allowed her to pursue her interests without fear of criticism. This nurturing atmosphere empowered her to make decisive and daring choices. Looking toward the future, she’s dedicated to persistently seeking personal happiness. She also strives to inspire and encourage younger women to embrace the pursuit of happiness as a fundamental goal in one’s life.
Press Release
Marquis Who’s Who Honors Amy Kurfist, PhD, for Expertise in Higher Education
Amy Kurfist, PhD, is an expert in research and consulting for leaders in higher education
VERONA, NJ, November 6, 2024, Amy Kurfist, PhD, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Dr. Kurfist is a New Jersey based consultant focused on higher education research and strategy.
Dr. Kurfist most recently served as an esteemed senior higher education research adviser at Hanover Research in Arlington, Virginia, since 2020. In this role, she leverages her extensive expertise to provide strategic insights and support to higher education leaders. Employed by the organization since 2018, Dr. Kurfist previously served as a content director for higher education, where she played a pivotal role in developing and managing content that addressed the needs of educational institutions.
A professional journey marked by a series of significant roles, Dr. Kurfist excelled as a marketing graduate assistant at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, from 2016 to 2018. She also held notable positions as vice president of non-deal roadshow at Needham & Company LLC between 2015 and 2016 and director of special events at Fountain House in 2014.
In the investment banking sector, Dr. Kurfist held several influential roles, including vice president and head of U.S. equity marketing at BMO Capital Markets from 2012 to 2014, after serving as an associate director and corporate roadshow specialist at UBS Investment Bank in New York between 2010 and 2012.
Dr. Kurfist began her career as a compliance paralegal and later vice president of roadshow coordination at Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. in New York from 2003 to 2007.
Highly educated, Dr. Kurfist received a Bachelor of Science in communications, cum laude, from Boston University in 2002, a Master of Business Administration from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University in 2009 and a Doctor of Philosophy in higher education from Old Dominion University in 2019. While studying, Dr. Kurfist completed several internships and graduate assistant roles. Further enhancing her qualifications, she obtained a certification in diversity and inclusion from Cornell University in 2021.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Kurfist actively engages in civic associations and creative projects that enrich her community. She has been a marketing committee member for Saint Bart’s Players since 2024. She has also participated with organizations like the National Dance Institute and the Ukulele Kids Club, highlighting her dedication to fostering creativity and supporting youth initiatives. Furthermore, Dr. Kurfist enjoys performing, directing, producing, and designing costumes and props for local theater productions.
Dr. Kurfist attributes her success to the unwavering support of her family, who provided a nurturing environment that empowered her to make decisive and daring choices throughout her career. This foundation has allowed her to transition into roles that align with her passion, finding fulfillment beyond financial success.
