LOUISVILLE, Ky. — When Washington State University’s Debbie Handy learned she was one of three individuals selected for the 2026 American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) Distinguished Service Award, it was a happy surprise.
It turns out the nomination was also a long time coming for Handy, a scholarly professor in WSU’s Department of Human Development.
“The Washington Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (WAFCS) Executive Board has been waiting for years to nominate Debbie, but she was ineligible during the four years she was on the AAFCS Board of Directors,” said Donna Graham, a longtime colleague and executive board member of WAFCS. “The nomination form very clearly stated Debbie’s accomplishments as a family and consumer sciences professional. What it did not convey was the impact she has had on students, colleagues, friends, and even her family. Everyone seems to have a ‘Debbie Handy story’!”
Representing the organization’s top honor, the Distinguished Service Award recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the field at the local, state, and national level, including involvement in grant writing and student leadership. Handy received the award in June during the AAFCS annual conference in Louisville, Kentucky.
“AAFCS has been a big part of my professional career,” Handy said. “It’s humbling to know that my peers consider me worthy of this award, and it feels amazing to be recognized for my work. This is a very special honor.”
Originally founded as the American Home Economics Association in the early 1900s, AAFCS promotes research, leadership, and service in the field while using education and science to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Members include Extension educators, secondary school teachers, dietitians, college professors, and other professionals.
“I’m thrilled that Dr. Handy’s dedication is being recognized with this prestigious award,” said Raj Khosla, Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean of WSU’s College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. “She is extremely deserving of this honor, and it is clear that her peers value her impactful contributions to the field of family and consumer sciences.”
Handy first joined AAFCS while earning her bachelor’s degree in home economics education at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She has remained a member for almost the entirety of her career.
“AAFCS helped me connect with professionals in the field when I moved from Wisconsin to Washington, and it’s been important to me ever since,” said Handy, who received a master’s degree in apparel, merchandising, and interior design and a PhD in educational leadership and counseling psychology from WSU.
Locally, Handy has held many WAFCS leadership roles, including newsletter editor, parliamentarian, president, and student unit advisor. At the national level, she has served on a variety of committees, including as AAFCS board member, recorder, and treasurer and as chair of its Council for Certification.
“I have learned so much from my AAFCS colleagues across the country, and I’ve taken that knowledge into the classroom with enthusiasm,” she said. “It’s part of what has helped me ensure the family and consumer sciences education option in human development at WSU is as strong as it can possibly be.”
Handy is passionate about many aspects of her role as a teacher educator, but she emphasizes that the most rewarding part of her job is the time she spends with students.
“If I’m having a bad day, the students are the ones who cheer me up and help me continue to be excited about what I do and remember why I’m here,” she said.