In August 2025, Kathleen “Kathy” Besinque, Pharm.D., retired from teaching following a distinguished 42-year career in pharmacy education. Besinque’s retirement was appropriately marked by being awarded the 2025 Pharmacist of the Year by California Society of Health-System Pharmacists (CSHP).

Besinque’s career is defined by her service and advocacy to the pharmacy profession, and she is a nationally recognized expert in women’s health. Notably, Besinque is known for advancing pharmacy practice through legislative efforts, authoring language that enabled California pharmacists to furnish both emergency and self-administered hormonal contraception.

She was added to the California Pharmacy Hall of Fame by California Pharmacists Association (CPhA) in 2020, and is a Fellow of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), CSHP, and CPhA, among other honors and awards. Her leadership includes serving as President of CPhA, Chair of the House of Delegates for CSHP, and holding dozens of leadership roles on a national scale.

Besinque earned her Bachelor of Science degree from California State University, Long Beach, and subsequently received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Southern California (USC). Later in her career, Besinque returned to USC to pursue her Master of Science in Education.

She completed her PGY-1 with the Veterans Affairs Medical Center and USC Ambulatory Care. Immediately, Besinque began teaching at USC and then at Loma Linda University, serving in several roles, including Assistant Dean for Curriculum and Assessment.

Besinque’s tenure at Chapman University began in 2017, and her influence has been pivotal in shaping the evolution of CUSP. She has taught each of our cohorts, contributed to the Dean’s Council, and dedicated several years of service as the Assistant Dean for the Office of Experiential Education.

Following decades of teaching and advocacy, Besinque’s career is remembered for her commitment to advancing pharmacy practice and compassionate education. Besinque is looking forward to spending more time with her family, including recently-added grandchildren, but will remain active in the pharmacy community.