On Thursday, May 7, 55 graduates of the USF Behavioral Healthcare (BHC) program were celebrated during the program's pinning ceremony, where many received their pins and were welcomed into the profession.
The event, held at TECO Hall, was led by Gregory Teague, PhD, chair of the Department of Behavioral Health Science and Practice, who served as master of ceremonies. Opening remarks were provided by Stephanie Marhefka, PhD, interim associate dean for research in the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences.
Guest speaker Alan Davidson addresses graduates at the pinning ceremony.
During the ceremony, guest speaker Alan Davidson, LMHC, president and chief executive officer of Central Florida Behavioral Healthcare Network, addressed the students and encouraged them to “be weird, find a mentor and go slow” while they still have the time and flexibility to explore new opportunities and gain experience.
“From now until the time you retire, don’t move through life in a straight line,” he said. “Be weird. Go zigzag through your life. I look at my life now and I couldn’t take three years off to go to Africa. I could do it when I was 24 or 26, but I can’t do it now.”
Nickie Zenn, EdS, NCSP, academic program instructor and associate professor of instruction, presented each student with a pin, which they were encouraged to wear during their USF commencement ceremony.
The behavioral healthcare program exposes students to evidence-based approaches that treat and prevent many behavioral health conditions and introduces them to the organization, finances and outcomes of behavioral health services, preparing them for employment or advanced professional training in the field.
BHC graduates were welcomed into the profession during the Spring 2026 pinning ceremony.