Dr. Ruth V. Watkins is the President Emerita of the University of Utah. She served as the senior vice president for academic affairs at the University of Utah since August 2013. She has been an advocate for advancing the success and impact of the U as a top-tier research university, including enhancing student success through degree completion and expanding research and creative activity. Dr. Watkins came to Utah from the University of Illinois, where she spent 20 years in leadership and faculty roles. She earned a master’s degree and a doctorate in child language at the University of Kansas; her scholarship focuses on communication development and disabilities in young children. Dr. Watkins’ research and training endeavors have earned external funding, and she has been recognized for excellence in teaching.