University of Montana names new dean of School of Pharmacy

After a national search, the University of Montana hired Dr. Marketa Marvanova as the next dean of the Skaggs School of Pharmacy, beginning in February.

A native of the Czech Republic, Marvanova currently chairs the Department of Pharmacy Practice at North Dakota State University in Fargo, providing strategic and operational leadership and management for 24 faculty members, three staff members, the Office of Experiential Education, the continuing pharmacy education program and two pharmacy residency programs.

“I look forward to her leadership as dean of the Skaggs School of Pharmacy,” UM Provost Jon Harbor said. “Through thoughtful collaboration and inspiring vision, Dr. Marvanova will build on the school’s legacy in shaping generations of future health care professionals in Montana and beyond.”

Marvanova holds doctorates in pharmacy, pathological neurobiochemistry and xenobiochemistry, and neuropharmacology from Charles University in the Czech Republic and the University of Eastern Finland.

She also completed a medical research fellowship in neuroscience and neuropsychopharmacology at Vanderbilt University’s School of Medicine in Nashville and a Parkinson’s disease traineeship at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.

Since her residency, Marvanova has served in various clinical and academic positions, most recently as professor and department chair at NDSU, where she was a member of the School of Pharmacy and College of Health Professions administrative and leadership councils.

Marvanova is actively involved in a variety of national-level service activities oriented toward clinical practice, pharmacy and medical education, as well as assessment of learning and teaching.

She also is an active scholar, and her commitment to excellence in scholarship is evident by her sustained productivity and meaningful contributions to neuropsychiatric and geriatric care.

She has published 40 peer-reviewed publications, provided more than 20 clinical and research podium presentations at state and national meetings, and presented more than 50 peer-reviewed research posters.

Marvanova will replace Howard Beall, who stepped in to serve as associate dean and chief academic officer for the UM pharmacy school until his appointment to dean this past February. Beall intends to retire at the end of this month after 22 years of service to UM.