Dec 2nd, 2025
The National College of Probate Judges (NCPJ or college) was organized in 1968 to improve the administration of justice in courts with probate jurisdiction. The College was established in response to public concern about the time and costs involved in estate administration. It is the only national organization exclusively dedicated to improving probate law and the probate courts.
The NCPJ was convened two weeks ago in Galveston, Texas for its fall conference. Retired Connecticut Probate Judge O. James Purnell, III, of Vernon-Ellington, Connecticut, now serves as president of the NCPJ. Retired Alabama Judge of Probate Don Davis, formerly of Mobile, Alabama, and now residing in the Nashville, Tennessee area, was elected to serve as president-elect of the College. Colorado Probate Judge Elizabeth D. Leith was elected to serve as secretary-treasurer of the College. Alabama Judge of Probate Patrick Davenport of Dothan, Alabama, was elected to serve on the Executive Committee of the College. Other members of the Executive Committee are Judges Amy W. McCulloch (Immediate Past President) of South Carolina, Veronica Vasquez of Texas, Heather Galvin of South Carolina, Pandora Jones-Glover of South Carolina, Selena Molina of Delaware and Gloria Sturman of Nevada.
Judge Purnell served as the probate judge of the Vernon-Ellington Judicial District of Connecticut from 2009 until 2019. Judge Purnell attained his doctor of jurisprudence from the Western New England University School of Law in 1982. He is also a graduate of Middlebury College. Judge Purnell has been a member of the NCPJ for 25 years and has served as an officer and member of the College’s Executive Committee for 8 years.
Judge Davis served as the judge of probate of Mobile County, Alabama, for 24 years, retiring in January 2025. Judge Davis attained his doctor of jurisprudence from Cumberland School of Law of Samford University in 1981. He is also a graduate of the University of South Alabama. Judge Davis has been a member of the NCPJ for 24 years and has served as an officer and member of the College’s Executive Committee since 2019.
Judge Leith serves as the presiding judge of Denver Probate Court in Denver, Colorado. Judge Leith attained her doctor of jurisprudence from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 1988. Judge Leith is also a graduate of Metropolitan State University. Judge Leith has been a member of the NCPJ for 14 years and has served as member of the College’s Executive Committee since 2020.
Judge Davenport has served as the judge of probate of Houston County, Alabama since 2012. Judge Davenport attained his doctor of jurisprudence from Cumberland School of Law of Samford University in 1998. Judge Davenport also graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and attended the University of South Alabama. Judge Davenport is a past president of the Alabama Probate Judges Association (2020-2021). He has been a member of the College for 13 years and has served on several committees.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Ms. Katie Luth, Administrator
National College of Probate Judges
c/o National Center For State Courts
Williamsburg, VA
kluth@ncsc.org