[4][6] In 1989, Watkins was appointed as an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Dallas, as well as program director of the Callier Center for Communication Disorders, where she worked until 1993.

[3] On April 4, 2013, it was announced that Watkins would assume the post of Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Utah (U of U).

[1][2] Attendees at her September 21, 2018 inauguration included the chair of the U of U's board of trustees, H. David Burton, and Utah Lieutenant Governor, Spencer Cox.

In a press conference on the second anniversary of the murder, announcing a $13.5 million settlement to a foundation in McCluskey's name which will promote campus safety, Watkins stated the university had "failed Lauren."

[13] When asked to comment, McCluskey's mother Jill indicated she and her husband "wish Watkins the best in her future endeavors" and would continue to work with campus leaders to improve safety.