At the twelfth annual White Coat Ceremony, presented by Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Ken Thai, Pharm.D., was honoredwith the 2026 Gavin S. Herbert Award for Excellence in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in recognition of his leadership and contributions to the pharmacy profession.
About the Gavin S. Herbert Award
The Gavin S. Herbert Award honors an individual who exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism, leadership, and compassion while making a meaningful impact on the pharmacy profession and the School of Pharmacy. This award reflects the values that serve as the foundation of Chapman University School of Pharmacy and honors the legacy of its namesake, Gavin Herbert.
How Dr. Thai Embodies the Gavin Herbert Award
Dean Ostrom noted, “Dr. Thai has tailored services to local communities beyond just filling prescriptions. Combining culturally-competent care with the area’s needed patient care service has built and sustained deep community ties and define all that is great about community pharmacy. For his leadership in and advocacy for the profession, for his vision in community pharmacy, and for his entrepreneurial spirit, we are pleased to award Dr. Ken Thai the Gavin S. Herbert Award for Excellence in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.”
As a pharmacy entrepreneur, educator, and national policy leader, Dr. Thai serves as Chief Executive Officer of 986 Degrees Corporation, a growing pharmacy franchise network with locations across Southern California and Nevada. His career has spanned a diverse range of pharmacy practice settings, including retail, long-term care, compounding, infusion, and specialty pharmacy.
Throughout his career, Dr. Thai has demonstrated a commitment to advancing the pharmacy profession, such as leading the fight for the passing of Senate Bill 493, making California the first state in the nation to declare pharmacists as healthcare providers.
Dr. Thai’s Address to the Class of 2029
At the White Coat Ceremony, Dr. Thai delivered the keynote address, sharing his perspective with our newest pharmacy class as they received their white coats and took their first steps toward a career in the profession.
“In a moment, you’ll put on the coat. It will feel a little stiff, a little unfamiliar. You’ll grow into it – not in size, but in substance. Wear it at 98.6 degrees. Warm. Human. Present. Be the person your patients believe you are when they see that coat – until the day it’s simply true,” said Dr. Thai.
Chapman University School of Pharmacy is honored to recognize Dr. Thai for his contributions to and impact on pharmacy and congratulates him on receiving the 2026 Gavin S. Herbert Award.
