UM School of Pharmacy Selects New Dean After National Search

The Skaggs School of Pharmacy at the University of Montana has concluded their national search for a new dean, and Marketa Marvanova, originally from the Czech Republic, was selected to assume the position. According to a press release from the University, Marvanova holds doctorates in pharmacy, pathological neurobiochemistry and xenobiochemistry, and neuropharmacology from Charles University in the Czech Republic and the University of Eastern Finland. Reed Humphrey, dean of the College of Health Professions and Biomedical Sciences at the University, provided a summary of Marvanova’s extensive qualifications.

“Not only does she hold a clinical doctorate in pharmacy, but [she also holds] a PhD and is a fellow of three different organizations. She currently serves as the chair of the Department of Pharmacy Practice at North Dakota State University," Humphrey stated. "She has had a long career in pharmacy; she was in Chicago at Northwestern University prior to her time at North Dakota State.”

Marvanova also completed a medical research fellowship in neuroscience and neuro-psychopharmacology at Vanderbilt University, as well as a Parkinson’s disease trainee-ship at Northwestern University. She has authored 40 peer-reviewed publications and delivered over 20 presentations at state and national meetings. Speaking on the new dean, University Provost Jon Harbor stated that, “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.”

Reed Humphrey then spoke on the future of pharmacy and why Marvanova is an exciting new hire for the School of Pharmacy.

“Our pharmacy practice is regionally really well respected,” Humphrey said. “The practice of pharmacy is changing, and it’s far more than just dispensing medications based on prescriptions. [Pharmacists] are involved in lifestyle interventions and managing chronic illness, so being able to secure somebody who sees around the bend in the future of pharmacy is good for all of us.”

Marvanova will begin as the new dean on February 24, 2020. She will be replacing current dean Howard Beall, who intends to retire at the end of December.