Dawn Getty Sutphin Steps into Leadership Role in Trust Management at UD

Leadership Appointment in Trust Management

In a significant move for the University of Delaware (UD), Dawn Getty Sutphin, Esquire, has been appointed as the new Director of the Trust Management Minor program. This decision represents a pivotal moment for the institution as it continues to enhance its educational offerings in the vital field of trust management.

The Trust Management Minor program, which began in 2017 under the guidance of its founding Director, Jennifer Zelvin McCloskey, Esquire, was notable for being offered by the first AASCB-accredited business school. The initiative, developed in cooperation with trust industry professionals, aims to equip undergraduate students with critical academic and practical skills necessary for immediate entry into careers within trust administration upon graduation.

Since its inception, the program has celebrated the graduation of approximately 200 students, and these graduates are now making significant contributions in various states, including Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. The industry support has played a crucial role in the program’s growth and relevance.

Dawn Getty Sutphin steps into this leadership role following McCloskey's decision to focus on the newly created Peak Trust Certificate Program, a Professional and Continuing Studies initiative intended for professionals either currently working in or transitioning to trust management careers. Sutphin's extensive experience—spanning over three decades in legal practice—positions her as an asset to the program. She has specialized knowledge in areas such as tax law, estate planning, probate, and trust matters, holding both a J.D. and an LL.M. in taxation.

Prior to her appointment at UD, Sutphin served as an adjunct professor at Lancaster Bible College for a decade. Her transition into full-time faculty at UD will allow her to maintain her private legal practice while significantly contributing to the education of future professionals in trust management. In her role as Director, Sutphin will teach courses on business law, fiduciary entities, and fiduciary income tax, along with facilitating the Capstone Course—an experiential learning opportunity that allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings with guidance from industry experts.

“This new role is a significant step in my academic career, yet my practice remains at the heart of my professional endeavors,” Sutphin stated. “Estate planning and trust management require an ability to logically coordinate details while prioritizing the client’s wishes and avoiding unnecessary tax implications.” Her dual role offers a unique benefit, where students not only learn theoretical legal concepts but also engage with a professor actively practicing in the field, ensuring the curriculum is closely aligned with real-world applications.

For her clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Sutphin's ongoing legal practice guarantees continued access to a lawyer equipped with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of estate planning, while for students, it presents the chance to learn from her active involvement in both the legal and educational sectors.

With her appointment, the University of Delaware reinforces its commitment to providing quality education tailored to the evolving needs of the trust administration field, ensuring students are well-prepared for their futures.

Emphasizing her dedication, Sutphin concluded, “Every client's situation is unique, and the relationships we build are paramount. Continuing my legal work allows me to impact families directly while also mentoring the next generation of professionals in this essential field of trust management.”