This year, the UD Alfred Lerner College welcomed several new faculty members into its community. Dawn Getty Sutphin is an instructor of legal issues of trust and fiduciary entities and director of the trust management minor; she spoke with Lerner about her research focus and how she got into this field.
Lerner: What is your professional and academic background?
Getty Sutphin: I have a JD along with an LL.M in taxation. I have been a lawyer for over 30 years, have practiced in several different areas of law, and have worked for the government, a large corporation, a big Philadelphia firm and in private practice. Prior to joining University of Delaware full-time, I was an adjunct professor at Lancaster Bible College for eight years. I currently maintain a private practice in Pennsylvania where I handle primarily estate planning and probate matters.
Lerner: What inspired you to work in your field/research/subject area?
Getty Sutphin: I love a good puzzle, and I enjoy helping people. Estate planning and probate, as well as trust management, all require the ability to piece things together in a logical way while minimizing negative tax consequences and focusing on the client’s wishes and his best interests. This field encompasses all of that and more.
Lerner: What is it about UD that made you want to work/teach/research here?
Getty Sutphin: I was impressed by UD’s trust management program including how the local trust community came together with the University to create the program, and how the trust community continues to support the program and the students.
Lerner: What course are you most excited to teach at Lerner?
Getty Sutphin: I am most excited to work with the students as they progress through the TMM coursework. I am particularly excited for the opportunity to facilitate the capstone program in the final semester of the program each year.
Lerner: What is something unique about you that may surprise your peers/students? (hobby, talent, experience etc.)
Getty Sutphin: Nothing unique – I just love to learn and I love to help others learn!