Larry Kubiak Named UF Distinguished Alumnus

The University of Florida has awarded College of Education graduate Larry Kubiak (Ed.S. ’76, Ph.D. ’87) the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award. This prestigious award is presented to an alumni who has excelled in a chosen field or has performed outstanding service for the university.

Larry Kubiak received his bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University in Minnesota with honors in psychology. He moved to Gainesville, where he earned master’s and specialist degrees in counselor education from the University of Florida. His experience in UF culminated in 1987 when he earned a Ph.D. in counseling psychology. He currently serves as the director of psychological services at Tallahassee Memorial Behavioral Health Center, a not-for-profit 50-bed inpatient psychiatric hospital. There, he conducts evaluations, leads community and professional workshops, and works with an interdisciplinary team dedicated to treatment planning and case staffing. Kubiak also mentors future psychologists and has worked as a practicum supervisor for doctoral students in clinical and counseling psychology from FSU for more than 25 years.

During his professional career, Kubiak advanced his profession through leadership. He was president of the Florida Psychological Association in 2005 and has been recognized by that organization as a distinguished psychologist. Additionally, he was awarded the Michael B. Spellman award for ethical contributions to psychology, named the Psychologist of the Year in 2004, and, in 2018, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the organization. He is also a member of the American Psychological Association and a clinical member of the National Academy of Neuropsychology.

Beyond myriad contributions to the psychology profession, Kubiak devotes his leisure time to his church, the Scouting community, and the Rotary Club.

A proud Eagle Scout, Kubiak chairs the Council National Eagle Scout Association and is a member of the Boy Scouts of America National Health and Safety Committee, currently serving as chair of the mental health subcommittee. Kubiak has also served as a Scoutmaster for ​​the Suwannee River Area Council and in countless other leadership roles for the Council.

He is a Past President of the Tallahassee Rotary Club and received the Service Above Self Award in 2012. He currently serves as the Immediate Past District Governor for  Rotary District 6940, having held the role of District Governor from 2021-2011.

Kubiak and his wife, Vicki, have demonstrated their passion for education and the College of Education through a $100K fellowship to advance the research efforts of graduate students.

Kubiak was presented with the UF Distinguished Alumni Award on Dec. 17, 2022, during the Bachelor’s, Master’s and Specialist’s Commencement.