As Howard University's College of Pharmacy prepares for a temporary move downtown, students, faculty, and alumni say they are committed to carrying its unique legacy of service into the future.

A major part of that legacy has been improving health outcomes for underserved residents across the city. The College of Pharmacy is the District of Columbia's only pharmacy school, and for generations has helped shape health care in the nation's capital.

Howard's pharmacy program has long been housed in Chauncey I. Cooper Hall at 2300 Fourth St. on the university's main campus in Northwest Washington. The building, which will retain the Cooper name, honors Dr. Chauncey Ira Cooper (1906–1983), one of the most influential figures in the college's history and the pharmacy profession.

This summer, the College of Pharmacy began relocating in phases to 640 Massachusetts Ave. NW, near Chinatown. The temporary move is expected to last while Howard constructs new Academic Medical Center Complex on campus. Following the relocation, Cooper Hall will be renovated and repurposed to support other academic departments and evolving university needs.

In 1938, Cooper became the first Black person to lead a U.S. college of pharmacy. During more than three decades as the college’s dean, he also founded the National Pharmaceutical Association and served as the first editor of its scholarly journal, helping expand opportunities for Black pharmacists nationwide.

“Change often brings a mix of emotions, especially when it involves a place that has shaped so many personal and professional journeys,” said Ranti Akiyode, PharmD, dean of the Howard University College of Pharmacy.  “Dr. Cooper helped transform opportunities for minorities in the pharmacy profession, and that commitment remains central to our mission. Because of the foundation he built and the generations who have strengthened it, our future has never been brighter."

Akiyode said the temporary downtown D.C. location will place students and faculty closer to the city’s healthcare, policy, and professional communities. The vision is to create a collaborative environment where future healthcare leaders learn together, advance discovery, and better serve the communities at the heart of the city and beyond. 

For generations, Howard University College of Pharmacy faculty have carried forward Cooper's legacy through leadership in healthcare and public service, particularly in the District of Columbia. Three consecutive faculty members — Daphne Bernard, Beverly C. Mims, and Tamara McCants — have served as chairs of the D.C. Board of Pharmacy, underscoring the college's longstanding influence on pharmacy practice and regulation. Clinical Assistant Professor Yolanda McKoy-Beach, PharmD, is also currently serving as president of the Washington, D.C. Pharmacy Association (WDCPhA), a nonprofit that advances the pharmacy profession across the District of Columbia. 

Students said memories of Cooper Hall stand out. For Kwinci Britt, a fourth-year pharmacy student, or P4, those  memories include moments shared with classmates, from celebrating after a difficult exam to supporting one another throughout the program.

“What I'll remember most are the people,” Britt said. “Everyone brought such incredible energy, and the friendships and experiences we shared made the college feel special.”

Aminu Abdullahi, a P3, said the friendships built throughout the program stand out as well. 

“My favorite memories are those early icebreaker moments, when I got to know everyone.” Abdullahi said. “It's such a diverse community, and sometimes you stop and wonder, ‘How did we all end up here at the same time?’ It's truly been a blessing.”

Help Shape the Next Chapter of the College of Pharmacy

As Howard celebrates its past and builds for the future, the College of Pharmacy invites alumni, friends, partners, and supporters to power the next generation of Howard pharmacists. Donor support provides scholarships, enhances the student experience, expands innovative learning opportunities, and prepares graduates to improve the health of communities for years to come. 

To make a gift, visit the College of Pharmacy’s giving page. To learn more about directing your gift to a specific initiative, contact James Jordan, Director of Development for Health Sciences Development and Alumni Relations, at james.jordan@howard.edu.