U of U gets first woman president, Ruth V. Watkins

Ruth V. Watkins. Photo: University of Utah

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Jan. 18, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — The Utah State Board of Regents has selected Ruth V. Watkins as the 16th president of the University of Utah.

Watkins will be the first woman appointed to lead the state’s oldest and largest higher education institution in its 168 year history, according to a statement from the U. of U.

Watkins will assume the position this spring, with the exact date to be determined.

She succeeds David W. Pershing, who has served as president since 2012 and will officially step down to rejoin the U as a faculty member.

“Dr. Watkins brings both an outside perspective based on years of leadership experience at the University of Illinois as well as significant familiarity with the University of Utah where she has served as senior vice president and provost since 2013,” Daniel W. Campbell, chair of the Board of Regents, said in a prepared statement.

“She is a collaborative leader who is committed to ensuring exceptional educational and research opportunities for students and faculty. She also is widely respected by our community partners. Dr. Watkins’ vision and dedication will ensure the U excels in the years ahead.”

Watkins was selected from a nationwide pool of applicants.

“In all measures, Dr. Watkins rose to the top in our national search for the next president to lead the U,” said David L. Buhler, commissioner of higher education. “She is a superb and energetic administrator and a proven fundraiser who understands our community and will be able to continue the momentum of our flagship university.”

Watkins currently is senior vice president for Academic Affairs at the U, a position she assumed in August 2013. In that role, she has worked closely with campus leaders to set the university’s strategic direction and align the U’s resources with its academic priorities.

Watkins said she was deeply honored.

“The University of Utah plays a vital role in the state, and increasingly the nation, in path-breaking research that solves societal challenges and educational opportunities that transform lives. My goal is to ensure that we continue and accelerate this trajectory in the years ahead.”

Watkins came to Utah from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she spent 20 years in leadership and faculty roles, including associate provost for Undergraduate Education, vice provost and chief of staff, and dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

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