WGU Announces Dr. Ruth Watkins as New Trustee
Today, Western Governors University (WGU) is pleased to announce that Dr. Ruth Watkins, president of postsecondary education at Strada Education Foundation and former president of the University of Utah, has joined the WGU Board as its newest Trustee. WGU also announced the retirements of long-time Trustees John Bluford and David Simmons.
When Watkins first joined the University of Utah as SVP of academic affairs, she impressed the hiring committee with a comprehensive plan designed to increase undergraduate success. Her focus on student access and success, graduation rates, and job-related experiences were profound. She continued that focus as the 16th president of the University of Utah, assuming the role as the first woman in the institution’s history. During her tenure, the university saw a major increase in philanthropic and grant awards, a noteworthy increase in graduation rates and gained admission to the Association of American Universities, fulfilling a long-term goal.
At Strada, Watkins drives innovation by enabling collaboration across higher education institutions and related organizations. Her work is breaking down systemic barriers to expand access to education, boosting completion rates, and empowering more individuals to achieve greater prosperity.
“Ruth has been a driving force in transforming education and workforce systems, leveraging her decades of experience in higher education to lead meaningful change,” said WGU President Scott Pulsipher. “Her hands-on leadership and deep engagement with innovations across the talent lifecycle make her an invaluable addition to WGU as we work to make higher education more accessible and relevant for today’s learners.”
Watkins added, “I am honored to join the WGU Board of Trustees. WGU’s dedication to transforming lives through education aligns with my own values and professional experiences. I look forward to contributing to the university’s continued success and growth.”
Joe Fuller, chair of WGU’s Board of Trustees, a distinguished management professor at Harvard Business School, and co-director of the school’s Managing the Future of Work project, remarked, “We are delighted to welcome Ruth to our Board. Her extensive experience and passion for education will be instrumental as we advance our mission. At the same time, we extend our heartfelt thanks to David and John for their exceptional service and unwavering commitment to WGU and our students.”
We look forward to the positive impact Ruth will bring to the WGU community as a Trustee.
