Doctor of Behavioral Health Baton Project

Hello, I am Dr. Mike Cravens, the Director of Freed-Hardeman University’s new Doctor of Behavioral Health program, which we launched in the fall of 2016.

Currently, we have 30 students enrolled in the DBH program and we are looking at enrolling additional students in the coming semesters. Having 30 students in a new doctoral program is amazing! This kind of growth is almost unheard of in any new doctoral program, especially within the first year.

We believe this innovative degree is truly the future of behavioral healthcare in America and will not only serve our students, but a number of agencies and organizations where those students will be employed.  We are the third DBH program in the nation and we are excited that FHU has ventured out to be a leader in this emerging healthcare arena.

The DBH program faculty and staff kindly request just three things from you.

1. The first request we have is that you pray for the success of our program and for success in the futures of our DBH graduates.
2. The second request we have is that you assist us in recruiting other Masters level mental health and health-related students who have experience in the field that may be interested in earning their doctorate degree.
3. While we do have a solid operating budget for our program, there are always additional items that need funding.  Even though we are not ready for our first graduation, we want to be prepared when that day arrives. Our third and final request is that you consider contributing to our fundraiser for these additional items. The funds that are raised will go toward designing and creating a ceremonial baton that will distinguish our doctoral students from the rest of the graduating class. A graduating doctoral student will be selected to carry this baton into the graduation ceremony as a symbolic representation of the Doctorate of Behavioral Health.

At present our fundraising goal and the estimated cost of this baton is $3,000. As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for, and we believe that to be true.  It is our desire for our baton and presentation to be the very best to offer.  Please be assured that we will be the very best stewards of the funds received.

We understand the responsibility of stewardship that comes with these contributions and we intend to utilize these gifts wisely. As such, we are communicating with a professional company to educate ourselves on the costs to develop, mint, and manufacture our DBH baton. The company we are in contact with is very well respected for academic recognition products and we are confident in their craftsmanship and capabilities.

We hope you will consider helping us highlight this new academic endeavor at Freed-Hardeman University.  Your prayers, recruitment and contributions are greatly appreciated! 

Dr. Mike Cravens