Katarína Slobodová Nováková

Leadership

Helping people and institutions turn knowledge into meaningful change.

Higher education leadership, academic mentorship, speaking and institutional development — connecting research, education and public engagement.

Institutional leadership

Katarína Slobodová Nováková as Dean of the Faculty of Arts with doctoral graduates at the University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava
As Dean of the Faculty of Arts with doctoral graduates at the University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava.

Deanship · 2016–2022

Dean of the Faculty of Arts

University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava

Served two consecutive terms as Dean of the Faculty of Arts, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, from 2016 to 2022.

The deanship focused on the long-term stabilisation and development of the faculty, strengthening its study programmes, successfully maintaining accreditation standards, and expanding international academic cooperation.

This period combined institutional leadership with the development of education, research and the faculty’s international academic profile.

Institutional Leadership · Academic Development · Accreditation · International Cooperation

Academic distinction

Professor of Ethnology · 2021

Professor of Ethnology

Appointed Professor of Ethnology by the President of the Slovak Republic, Zuzana Čaputová.

Awarded the title of Professor in 2021, marking the highest level of academic and pedagogical qualification in the Slovak university system and recognising long-term achievement in ethnological research, higher education and academic development.

Academic Qualification · Higher Education · Ethnology · Research Excellence

Katarína Slobodová Nováková at the Presidential Palace in Slovakia holding the appointment document as Professor of Ethnology
Appointment as Professor of Ethnology by the President of the Slovak Republic, Zuzana Čaputová, 2021.

University leadership

Katarína Slobodová Nováková in burgundy rectorial academic gown speaking at a lectern as Rector of the University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava
As Rector of the University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, 2022–2026.
Katarína Slobodová Nováková in burgundy rectorial academic gown shaking hands during a formal university ceremony
With Jozef Viskupič, Chairman of the Trnava Self-Governing Region.

Rectorship · 2022–2026

Rector of the University

University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava

Appointed Rector of the University by the President of the Slovak Republic for the 2022–2026 term. Served as Rector of the University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava from 2022 to 2026, leading the university through a period of institutional development, internationalisation and major investment in its academic environment.

During her term, the university implemented major infrastructure investments with a total value exceeding €25 million, supported through the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Plan.

Her leadership also focused on the development of doctoral education, strengthening project and research activities, and expanding the university’s international presence.

During the 2022–2026 term, the university established more than 100 new international partnerships, significantly expanding its global academic network.

University Leadership · €25M+ Infrastructure Investment · Doctoral Education · Research & Project Development · 100+ New International Partnerships

International academic leadership

EWORA

Member of EWORA – European Women Rectors Association

Active member of EWORA (European Women Rectors Association), contributing to discussions and initiatives supporting women’s leadership in higher education, academic cooperation and institutional development.

Active participation in EWORA activities, including participation in the 10th anniversary conference panel in 2025.

Women’s Leadership · International Academic Cooperation · Institutional Development