University of Utah president to step down after 3 years Follow Us Question of the Day By - Associated Press - Wednesday, January 13, 2021 SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - University of Utah President Ruth Watkins has announced she is stepping down in April after accepting the position of president of Strada Impact, a national organization based in Indianapolis dedicated to strengthening the pathways between education and employment. Watkins will head its national research, philanthropy, policy and thought leadership efforts to improve students’ access to college, degree completion and career connections. Watkins made the announcement Tuesday, ending her three-year tenure at the Salt Lake City school where she was the first woman named president of the university.