Robert D. Gibson, PharmD, UCSF School of Pharmacy alumnus and former associate dean, has been honored with the Chauncey I. Cooper Award by the National Pharmaceutical Association (NPhA) in recognition of his sustained and distinguished service to the profession of pharmacy.

The award was announced by the association on August 25, 2006. It is named for the founder of the NPhA, the oldest and largest professional society representing the views and ideals of minority pharmacists on critical issues affecting health care and pharmacy.

Gibson has campaigned for more than 50 years to broaden access to pharmacy education and employment opportunities among minorities. His leadership is chronicled through past roles as president of the American Pharmacists Association, president of the American Colleges of Pharmacy and vice president of both the NPhA and the Association of Black Hospital Pharmacists.