He was the youngest university president in the nation while he was president at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (1976–78), has had roles with private foundations, Dr. Wilburn served in cabinet positions for Pennsylvania Governor Richard Thornburg, first directing both departments of Budget and Administration and later in the department of Education.
He has held several positions at Chase Manhattan Bank, including executive director of the Asset Liability Management Committee.
Prior to that, he held positions in the Defense Department and the White House, working on policy development, most notably the legislation creating the all-volunteer armed forces.
A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, he earned bachelor's degrees in Economics and Engineering.
Wilburn also attended Princeton University, where he earned master's and doctoral degrees in Economics and Public Affairs.