Deborah Handy

Dr. Deborah Handy is a Scholarly Professor and Interim Chair of the Department of Human Development at Washington State University (WSU), part of the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Counseling Psychology from WSU, an M.A. in Apparel, Merchandising, and Interior Design from WSU, and a B.S. in Home Economics Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Her research focuses on technology-enhanced collaborative learning, school safety, Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) teacher recruitment, and the efficacy of distance education. She has led studies on students’ exposure to violence across environments, high school safety measure preferences, and comparative success metrics between on-campus and distance learners. Dr. Handy also spearheads recruitment initiatives like Say Yes to FCS to attract professionals to FCS education.

Her advising roles include mentoring FCS teacher candidates and leading Kappa Omicron Nu and the WSU State Officers of the Washington Association for FCS Student Unit. She has held leadership roles in professional organizations such as the Washington affiliate of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (2000–2018). Her work bridges classroom practice, policy, and community impact through collaborative approaches to education and youth empowerment.