A Lasting Legacy
Nat Wilburn has worn many “ hats ” at Sacred Heart-Sheridan Road as both a Principal and now as Head of Schools . But the thing that stands out in all the roles that he has undertaken is how expertly he has performed them , how committed he has remained throughout his tenure , and how profoundly important his relationships have been , a testimony to him as a person and as a leader of Sacred Heart education .
Mr . Wilburn came to Sheridan Road 17 years ago from Convent & Stuart Hall , Schools of the Sacred Heart in San Francisco , Calif . He began there as part of the campus ministry team , an 8th grade teacher and High School Placement Counselor for the boys in Stuart Hall . Eventually he entered administration as Head of the Middle School of Stuart Hall for Boys from 1996-2004 . Dedicated unfailingly to the five Goals , he says , “ The values inherent in the Goals and Criteria are more than timeless principles of Sacred Heart education . They are values to anchor one ’ s journey in life .”
Leadership
Susan Maxwell , RSCJ , former Director of Schools on Sheridan Road , knew Mr . Wilburn from his time at Convent & Stuart Hall . She says that the Goals and Criteria are an innate part of him , and this embodiment is a key facet of being a successful leader of a Sacred Heart school . Mr . Wilburn served with Sr . Maxwell on this campus , and together they endeavored to model Sheridan Road like other independent schools with three distinct Divisions being led by Division Heads as well as a Department of Institutional Advancement . This model currently exists today .
It is often said that leadership shows its true colors during periods of adversity and challenges . Sacred Heart Schools has been fortunate to have had Nat Wilburn as its academic , administrative , civic and spiritual leader during the COVID-19 pandemic . Nat ’ s calming , confident and focused leadership of the school — for its staff , faculty and , most importantly , the students — during this unprecedented period will forever be remembered by the Sacred Heart community . Nat ’ s commitment to the importance of in-person learning in a safe and secure environment will be a lasting legacy of his devotion to our school and its mission .
– Dan Bayston , H ’ 18 , H ’ 20 , Chair of the Board of Trustees , on Nat Wilburn ’ s tenure during one of the greatest challenges our world has ever experienced .
Several invited guests gather around the newly installed Peace Pole at the 140th anniversary celebration .
On July 1 , 2021 , he will transition to Head of the Conference of Sacred Heart Education , ensuring that St . Madeleine Sophie ’ s vision for Sacred Heart education remains vibrant in the 25 Network schools . Mr . Wilburn ’ s skill as an educator , his appreciation of the Goals , and the relationships that he has formed with the Religious of the Sacred Heart throughout the Network , in addition to those in other spheres of his professional life , will serve him abundantly well . The text under the headings details only a fraction of his many accomplishments and gifts .
Before this change in structure , however , Sacred Heart Schools hired Nat Wilburn as a new Principal in 2004 to oversee the academic divisions . Christy Russell , now the Executive Assistant to the Head of Schools , says , “ That was the first time I met Mr . Wilburn . He took me out to lunch so we could get to know one another and he could share his vision for SHS . I knew then that he would do great things for the school , and he has ! When he took the Head of Schools position in 2009 , he asked me to move with him into the role as his Assistant . It was one of the best decisions I ’ ve ever made .”
2004
Mr . Wilburn named Principal of Academic Divisions .
2005
Creates Director of Student Life position , making before- and after-school programs more prominent as well as expanding the sports program .
2008
Sr . Maxwell , Director of Schools , announces retirement .