Former MSU Research Foundation Board Member Kathleen Wilbur Passes Away at 70
Kathleen Wilbur, a former MSU Research Foundation director and senior vice president at Michigan State University, passed away at age 70, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of leadership in academia, government, and public service.
Kathleen Wilbur, former MSU Research Foundation Director
EAST LANSING, MI — Kathleen Wilbur, a former director of the Michigan State University Research Foundation, passed away on Sunday morning November 26, 2023, following a recurrence of cancer.
At the time of her passing, Kathy held the position of senior vice president for government relations at Michigan State University (MSU). She earned three degrees from MSU—a doctorate in higher education administration, a master’s degree in higher education administration, and a bachelor’s degree in journalism—and was elected to the MSU Board of Trustees in 1984, where she served until 1991.
Wilbur also had ties to Central Michigan University (CMU), where she worked for 16 years before moving to MSU. During that time, she served as CMU’s interim president, vice president of advancement and external relations, and vice president for government relations.
Her legacy of public service included notable positions as director of the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services, director of the Michigan Department of Commerce, deputy director of the Michigan Department of Commerce, and director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulation. She also worked in the Legislature, serving as chief of staff to State Senator William Sederburg, chair of the Senate Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee, among other assignments. She was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame in 2007.
Wilbur left behind "a powerful and enduring legacy of love, kindness, friendship and service to her community and to the state of Michigan," said her son, Tom Wilbur. Her quick wit, love for library books, Broadway shows, and family vacations up north were matched by her thoughtful habit of writing thank-you notes after even small encounters.
From 1989 to 1990, Wilbur served as a member of the Board of Directors at the MSU Research Foundation. During her tenure, MSU deeded 115 acres of land to the Foundation, entrusting it with the task of building a research park.
“Kathy was a great resource for our organization, and we worked on many important initiatives together,” recalled David Washburn, Executive Director of the MSU Research Foundation. “Michigan State University is a better place because of her.”
Surviving Kathleen Wilbur are her husband, Tom Wilbur, and children Tom, Will, Sam and Ray.