Distinguished Service Award

Deborah J. Handy, Ph.D., CFCS, said Yes to FCS more than 40 years ago. She completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She taught grades 7-12 in Wisconsin and advised the local FHA chapter. She completed both Master’s and Doctorate degrees at Washington State University (WSU) and has been teaching at WSU for more than 30 years. Dr. Handy enjoys working with her students and being involved in FCS related organizations and activities. She served as the Parliamentarian, Newsletter Editor, Student Unit Adviser, and President for the Washington AAFCS Affiliate. She has been a member of the WA-ACTE FACSE Executive Board for more than 30 years. She was the Executive Director for Washington FCCLA for 18 years. She served as member at large, recorder, and treasurer on the AAFCS Board of Directors, and chaired the AAFCS Council for Certification. 

Debra K. Andres, M.S., CFCS-HDFS, is a dedicated Family and Consumer Sciences Agent with Kansas State University Extension, serving the Flint Hills District. With more than three decades of experience in education, extension, and community leadership, she has developed and implemented impactful programs in health, nutrition, family well-being, and financial literacy. Deb has secured over $1.3 million in grants to support community initiatives, authored numerous publications, and presented nationally and internationally on leadership, family studies, and community health. A past president of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, she has been recognized with multiple awards, including National Top Ten Teacher of the Year and Outstanding Extension Educator. Beyond her professional work, Deb is deeply engaged in her community through church leadership, nonprofit boards, and local coalitions, reflecting her lifelong commitment to helping individuals and families thrive. 

Eleanor R. Abel Glover Gladney, Ph.D., is a distinguished educator and leader whose career reflected an unwavering commitment to student success, workforce development, and educational excellence. A native of South Carolina, Dr. Glover Gladney holds advanced degrees in Home Economics Education, Individual and Family Development Education, Education Administration, and Curriculum and Instruction—credentials that underscore her deep expertise across multiple domains of learning and leadership. Her professional journey spans decades of transformative service, beginning as a home economics teacher and evolving into roles of increasing responsibility and impact. As Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program Team Lead, she championed initiatives that bridged academic learning with real-world application, preparing students for lifelong success. Her career is marked by a rare blend of compassion, strategic vision, and dedication to equity. Dr. Glover Gladney’s work has empowered educators, strengthened relationships with industry and organization leaders, and advanced FCS, in South Carolina and beyond.