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Wilburn (James R. (Jim)) Papers
0157
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Table of contents
Contributing Institution:
Pepperdine University. Special Collections and University Archives.
Title: The James R. (Jim) Wilburn Papers
Identifier/Call Number: 0157
Physical Description:
13 Linear Feet
26 Hollinger document cases
Date (inclusive): 1984-2015
Abstract: Jim Wilburn is a distinguished professor at Pepperdine University. In 1997, he was the founding dean of the School of Public
Policy. Under his leadership, Pepperdine University became substantially more involved in international business affairs.
These papers contain Wilburn's correspondence with professors, business associates, and other colleagues. They also contain
attendence records, financial records, and photographs.
Language of Material:
English
.
Advance notice required for access.
This collection of papers is divided into three series: Series One: Chrono Books, Series Two: Megeve Conference Files, and
Series Three: School of Public Policy Chrono Books. The Chrono Books are arranged chronologically by folder; the papers were
removed from three-ring binders referred to as "Chrono Books" and kept in their original order. Following the Chrono Books,
the Megeve Conference Files are also arranged chronologically by folder.
James R. Wilburn was born in 1932 and has spent most of his life involved in academia. He passionately pursued several degrees,
earning his bachelor's and master's degrees in biblical studies at Abilene Christian University. He also received his PhD
in economic history from the University of California, Los Angeles; a master's degree in history from Midwestern State University;
and an MBA from the Pepperdine Presidents and Key Executives program, which he earned while simultaneously serving as Pepperdine's
vice president for university affairs.
Wilburn joined the Pepperdine administration in 1971. As the university provost, he took a central role in moving Pepperdine's
campus entirely to Malibu. This process met with some opposition but was eventually finalized in 1981, closing Pepperdine's
South Los Angeles campus permanently.
In the 90s, Wilburn participated in public policy work with post-Soviet Russia and President Ronald Reagan. From 1991 to 1996
Wilburn served as cochair of the U.S. Committee to Assist Russian Reform, a program funded by the U.S. Department of State
and authorized by Boris Yeltsin.
Wilburn has served in many administrative roles at Pepperdine and helped overcome a plethora of challenges to the school,
includnig the move to Malibu campus and an arsonist attack in th early 80s. He has served as provost and as vice president
for university affairs. He has also served as the dean of multiple departments, the most recent being interim dean of the
School of Public Policy (SPP), a position that he has held for the past fifteen years.
Wilburn always felt torn between administrative responsibilities and a love of learning and teaching. He is well loved and
respected by students in the SPP program and has reported feeling inspired and encouraged by his interactions with them.
In addition to his experiences in higher education, Wilburn has authored books on American history, business management, and
faith and public policy.
[Box/folder# or item name], James R. (Jim) Wilburn Papers, Collection no. 0157, Special Collections and University Archives,
University Libraries, Pepperdine University.
This collection of papers contains detailed records of Jim Wilburn's correspondence with other professors at Pepperdine and
with business associates and other colleagues. These records were compiled into "Chrono Books," each of which beins with a
"list of correspondence" that makes note of the individuals with which Wilburn communicated in that Chrono Book. It also contains
documentation of Wilburn's involvement in the Megeve and Geneva conferences from 1985-1990. A significant portion of the series
consists of Wilburn's correspondence with other participants in the conference, but the series also includes Wilburn's attendence
records, financial records, and photographs.
Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.