Dottie Caplan
Emeritus Staff
dcaplan@umbc.edu
Dottie Caplan began her career at UMBC in 1997 as a secretary in what was then known as the College of Arts and Sciences and joined the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences in 2005. Her dedication to UMBC, its students, faculty, and staff was unparalleled, and her coworkers considered her an invaluable asset to the College and the UMBC community.
Caplan handled a large volume of work and consistently supported the Dean and CNMS staff that went above and beyond her responsibilities, for the good of CNMS and the University. Her helpful, supportive manner was evident in her daily communications. Always offering a smile and an optimistic word, Caplan treated internal and external visitors with the same courtesy and kindness.
Her dedication to CNMS was only matched by her commitment to UMBC’s mission of service. Caplan was president of the Non-Exempt Staff Senate and was known for persistently advocating for her NESS constituents. She embraced shared governance by serving on a number of university committees, including the Strategic Planning Steering Committee. She was a tireless advocate for the Maryland Charity Campaign (MCC), serving on its cabinet and overseeing the annual Non-Exempt Staff/Professional Staff Senate bake sale fundraiser for MCC. In addition, Caplan served as a mentor for new students and supported both Commencement and Welcome Week activities.
Dr. Kathy Lee Sutphin
Assistant Dean Emeritus
sutphin@umbc.edu
Kathy Sutphin ’95, political science, retired January 1, 2021, after over 25 years of service to UMBC. Sutphin, a lifelong learner, earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership degree from Frostburg State University in 2018, and UMBC’s Post-Master’s Certificate in College Teaching and Learning Science in 2021.
Sutphin worked in UMBC’s Department of Biological Sciences for 10 years before moving to the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (CNMS) when it was established in 2005. Her career focus—the success of UMBC and its students evolved as her title changed from non-traditional student, to Assistant to the Chair, to Coordinator of Special Projects, to Assistant Dean of Instructional Projects, and finally to Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs.
Working collaboratively with many dedicated staff and faculty members, Sutphin helped to launch the annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day (URCAD) and to implement many practices and programs within CNMS. Through grant writing and coordination, she supported the comprehensive renovation of the original Biological Sciences Building and as well as an array of transfer and STEM student success initiatives that included MARC U*STAR, iCubed@UMBC, STEM BUILD, and several undergraduate research programs.
Sutphin received the University System of Maryland Board of Regents Staff Award for Exceptional Contribution to the Institution in 2004. She is enjoying the time retirement allows for family, friends, and her own special projects that include serving as the Associate Director of the Wisdom Institute, UMBC’s association for retirees.