Dr. Donna Wells Austin is an Assistant Professor in Mortuary Science at UDC, with a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) focused on Project Management and Six Sigma Black Belt. She has extensive experience in the funeral service industry and currently supervises the Funeral Service Practicum. Dr. Austin's research interests focus on sustaining family-owned funeral businesses beyond the second generation, a challenge many are facing as younger generations move away from continuing the family legacy.
Experience
Education
Doctor of Business Administration: Project Management, Walden University Master of Science in Project Management, Catholic University of America Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Virginia State University Associate of Applied Science: Mortuary Science, Cypress College
Roles
Assistant Professor, Mortuary Science Chair, Mortuary Science Student Association, 2022-Present
Courses Taught
Funeral Service Law Thantochemistry Restorative Art I and II Restorative Art Lab Embalming I Embalming II Funeral Service Management and Principles National Board Seminar
Expertise
Licensed Death Certificate Filing Supervising Funeral Service Practicum
Research Focus / Works in Progress
Sustaining a family business beyond the second generation
Leadership
Operations Lead, Department of Health and Human Services, 2023-Present Chair, Mortuary Science Student Association Supervising Mortician for Grace Murray Funeral Home, 2021-Present Committee Chair, Women's Wellness, Sigma Gamma Rho, Inc., 2023-24 Branch Chief, Antiterrorism/Facilities, Andrews Air Force Base, 2022-23 Conference Center Manager, Department of Veterans Affairs, 2013-20 Military Veteran, Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, 1986-2002
