Getting to know RUTH V. WATKINS, the U's 16th President.

On April 2, Ruth V. Watkins will take the helm of the University of Utah, the state's flagship higher education institution. She is the first woman to lead the university in its 168-year history. Among Watkins' first priorities is to recruit two leaders to fill senior leadership roles--a senior vice president to oversee the U's health care and Health Sciences academic and research programs, and a senior vice president for Academic Affairs (provost) to fill the role she leaves to become president.

Watkins was selected in a competitive national search by a 25-member Presidential Search Committee, co-chaired by David Burton, chair of the U's Board of Trustees, and Board of Regents Vice Chair Harris H. Simmons. She succeeds David l/l/. Pershing, who has served as president since 2012 and will officially step down to rejoin the U as a faculty member.

Outside Perspective & Local Understanding

"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," said Daniel W. Campbell, chair of the Board of Regents. "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."

In her current role, Watkins has worked closely with campus leaders to set the university's strategic direction and align the U's resources with its academic priorities. She has been an advocate for advancing the success and impact of the U as a...