Pepperdine University Mourns the Passing of School of Public Policy Dean Emeritus James R. Wilburn

James R. Wilburn (MBA ’82 PKE 56), Dean Emeritus of the Pepperdine University School of Public Policy, passed away on November 29, 2024. He was 91.

“Pepperdine University has experienced a loss of great magnitude with the passing of the great Jim Wilburn,” says Pepperdine president Jim Gash (JD ’93). “More than his decades of dedicated and tireless service to the University, the world has lost a visionary leader, a revered scholar, and a great mind among his contemporaries. Dr. Wilburn was instrumental in Pepperdine’s presence in Malibu, and from his first day on the job until his last day in the office just a few weeks ago, he cared about one thing: the growth and advancement of the University. On the list of Pepperdine legends, Dr. Wilburn was among the top. He will be missed tremendously by his friends and colleagues.”

Learn more about Wilburn's extraordinary life and his impressive achievements on the University Newsroom.