As the 16th president of the University of Utah, Dr. Ruth V. Watkins is focused on ensuring the U builds on its legacy of innovation, discovery and delivering outstanding value in higher education and health care. For students, this means an excellent and affordable educational experience culminating in timely degree completion. For patients, it means innovative, compassionate and affordable care. To enable the University to continue to excel in research, teaching and patient care, Dr. Watkins is committed to providing faculty and staff with unwavering support and resources. Before her appointment as president this past spring, Dr. Watkins served as senior vice president for academic affairs. She came to the U in 2013 from the University of Illinois, where she spent 20 years in faculty and leadership roles. Dr. Watkins earned master’s and doctorate degrees at the University of Kansas, where she studied communication development and disabilities in young children.