Weekly Wisdom 008 - Ruth Watkins

Bridget Burns, Executive Director of the University Innovation Alliance, and Paul Fain, Contributing Editor of Inside Higher Ed, are inviting insight and experiences from presidents and chancellors of universities navigating the challenge in real-time. The eighth guest is Ruth Watkins, president of The University of Utah. In a time of profound, rapid change, Ruth Watkins shares that it is an incredible privilege to work that matters. She adds that it is time to address white privilege and to take action to change racism.

What Is Her Leadership Philosophy?

In a time of profound, rapid change, Ruth Watkins shares that it is an incredible privilege to do work that matters. She adds that it is time to address white privilege and to take action to change racism. She states that it is an honor to lead in a crucial time like this.

Continuity in communication and information is essential in being a leader. Help others understand the current situation so they can take part in creating solutions and acting together as a community. As a leader, she says that one must inspire, motivate, help, and create an environment where anyone can succeed.

How Does She Moderate Herself To Focus On The Right Things?

She mentioned that it is always helpful to remember how much the mission matters. Ruth Watkins reminds herself to keep the pace and start using her time for the collective good. Something good that has come from this situation is that it has helped people change and act differently. When times get tiring and tough, always take a step back and remember the goal.

What Areas Beyond The University Does She Want To See Change?

After this global pandemic, Ruth Watkins would like to build a better educational delivery and to shift and use more effectively remote learning. She was also able to accelerate Telehealth, and her goal is to keep improving on it to serve better the people affected.