Donna Wells Austin

Donna Wells Austin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mortuary Science at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). She holds a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Project Management and a Six Sigma Black Belt certification.

• Education: DBA (Project Management, Walden University), MS (Project Management, Catholic University of America), BS (Chemistry, Virginia State University), AAS (Mortuary Science, Cypress College)

Research Interests focus on sustaining family-owned funeral businesses beyond the second generation, addressing challenges in legacy continuation and succession planning.

Leadership Roles include Chair of the Mortuary Science Student Association, Operations Lead at the Department of Health and Human Services, and Supervising Mortician at Grace Murray Funeral Home.