James R. Wilburn To Be Named Dean Emeritus of School of Public Policy
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James R. Wilburn, who has served as inaugural dean of the School of Public Policy
since its founding 18 years ago, will be named Dean Emeritus on August 1, 2015. He
will transition from his administrative position and plans to return to the classroom
for the 2016-2017 academic school year after a sabbatical.
Wilburn has served as a passionate champion of the University鈥檚 mission throughout
more than four decades at Pepperdine. He has skillfully filled the roles of faculty
member, provost, dean of the Graziadio School of Business and Management, and vice
president for university affairs. In 1997 he was named founding dean of the School
of Public Policy.
鈥淚n his four decades of service, Jim Wilburn has proven his dedication and his capacity
to lead over and over again,鈥 says president Andrew K. Benton. 鈥淭he loyalty his friends,
former students, and colleagues feel for Jim is legendary. I am personally grateful
that Jim and his talented wife, Gail, will continue to serve at the forefront of the
important things we hope to accomplish at the School of Public Policy and more broadly
within 国產aⅴa麻豆University.鈥
Wilburn is known for his headline-making work in public policy. From 1991 to 1996
he served as co-chair of the U.S. Committee to Assist Russian Reform, a program funded
by the U.S. Department of State and authorized by Boris Yeltsin.
During Wilburn鈥檚 years as dean of the Graziadio School, it moved more aggressively
into international business and started five new academic programs, with the nation鈥檚
foremost program for mid-career adults and the largest MBA enrollment west of Chicago,
Illinois. In addition to his experiences in higher education, Wilburn has authored
books on American history, business management, and faith and public policy.
Upon Wilburn鈥檚 departure, Pete Peterson, executive director of the Davenport Institute
for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership at the School of Public Policy, will serve
as interim dean.