Mercer Times

Sandy Gibson, a professor at The College of New Jersey, has been recognized as the Addiction Educator of the Year by the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors. Gibson teaches online counselor education and focuses on graduate-level addiction counseling courses. Her nomination came from former student Arthur Roman, who highlighted her impact through her course “Substance Abuse & Addiction: Individuals, Families, and Society.” Roman credits this class with shaping his career path in school counseling and psychotherapy.

Roman shared that before taking Gibson’s class, his interest in substance abuse was limited. He praised her ability to integrate clinical practice with research, creating an engaging learning environment. Other former students—Lexi Banket, Jonah Friedman, and Paige Ozdonski—supported the nomination through letters.

Gibson expressed gratitude for being nominated by her students. She emphasized how understanding drug use and addiction has evolved over time. “Historically our understanding of people who use drugs and addiction is misunderstood,” she said. “Our students get so excited to see these topics in ways they’ve never really experienced before.”

In her 15 years at TCNJ, Gibson initiated several programs including directing Mercer County's Intoxicated Driver Resource Center and developing statewide curriculum. She also launched an online Master of Arts program in clinical mental health counseling aimed at increasing access to education.

Roman described Gibson as an exceptional educator whose influence extends beyond academics. “She is an exceptional educator and transformative force in addiction education,” he stated.

Gibson will be honored with her award at the NAADAC 2024 Annual Conference from October 18–23 in Washington, D.C.