James R. Wilburn Endowed Scholarship

The James R. Wilburn Endowed Scholarship celebrates the life and work of SPP's founding dean, and one of Pepperdine's most distinguished leaders over a nearly 50-year career at the University. This included his roles as founding dean of the School of Public Policy, dean of the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, provost and chief operating officer, as well as vice president for university affairs. Wilburn was a Church of Christ minister and author of numerous books on American history, business management, and the relationship between faith and public policy. His most recent book was entitled Character and the Future of the American University: A Pathway Forward with James Q. Wilson’s Moral Sense was published in 2023. The Wilburn Scholarship will support students in high academic standing, and will be designated following review by the dean and the Office of Student Services