It is my pleasure to announce Dr. Ruth V. Watkins, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, will officially begin her tenure as the 16th President of the University of Utah on Monday, April 2, 2018.

The Utah State Board of Regents, in collaboration with the University Board of Trustees, chose Dr. Watkins following a rigorous selection process from a very strong pool of national candidates. She brings a wealth of leadership experience and institutional knowledge to this position. I have been fortunate to collaborate closely with her as Senior Vice President and have benefited from her ability to retain, hire, and unite talented people. She is deeply committed to the U and providing an exceptional student experience, supporting faculty research and community engagement. I know that, through her leadership, the success and impact of the University will flourish.

On a personal note, it has been a great honor to serve as the president of the University of Utah. Thank you for your support during the past six years. I appreciate your dedication to the vision of this institution and the people we serve. I wholeheartedly congratulate President Ruth V. Watkins and wish her every success moving forward.

President David W. Pershing