While studying and teaching at Harvard University, Babcock met noted Utah resident and daughter of Brigham Young, Susa Young Gates. At the time Gates was a student of Babcock. Gates was impressed by Babcock's work as a summer course instructor in physical culture and convinced her to move to Salt Lake City. Babcock stayed longer in Utah than she intended, becoming a member of the Mormon Church four months into her planned one year stay. At the University of Utah, Babcock founded two departments, the Department of Speech and the Department of Physical Education. She taught in both departments, and became the first female chair of a department at the University of Utah. She worked at the university for 47 years. Babcock loved physical activity, and she made valuable contributions to the Deseret Gym. She also established University of Utah's first physical training curriculum, which for several years included speech and dramatics.