The Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University has announced the death of Donald Sutton, who served as Assistant Dean for External Affairs and Director of Development from 2007 until his retirement in 2014. Sutton passed away on October 13, 2025.
Sutton joined Rutgers—New Brunswick in 2006 as Director of Development at the School of Communication and Information. The following year, he was appointed to his leadership position at the Bloustein School.
During his time at the Bloustein School, Sutton worked with alumni and supporters to establish scholarships that supported future students’ education. He was active with the Bloustein School Alumni Association, helping organize events and select honorees for the school’s Alumni Achievement awards, which have been part of its recognition programs since 1994 according to the official website.
Sutton lived for many years in Piscataway, New Jersey before retiring to Naples, Florida with his wife Hyacinth Reynolds. He was a member of Unity of Fort Myers Spiritual Community, where a celebration of his life took place on December 6, 2025.
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Sutton attended Kaiserslautern High School in Germany. He earned a B.A. from Elmhurst College (Illinois), an M.F.A. from Catholic University (Washington D.C.), and an M.B.A. from Fordham University (New York).
His career spanned over two decades in development and non-profit management roles at institutions such as New York’s Museum of Arts & Design, Studio Museum in Harlem, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Columbia University/Teachers College, and Charles Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit.
In September 1993 he became president of Global Artists Management of New York, Inc., managing poet/playwright/novelist Ntozake Shange and playwright Laurence Holder among others. He continued working in this capacity until his passing.
The Edward J. Bloustein School is part of Rutgers University—the State University of New Jersey—and focuses on education and research related to planning and public policy (more information). The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs covering areas like urban planning and health administration while supporting research centers focused on community development, transportation, workforce issues and more.