Teresa Leary Handy, EdD

Dr. Teresa Handy is an Assistant Professor and Program Chair in the Division of Learning and Information Studies at the University of Arizona Global Campus. Teresa earned a Doctorate of Education with a specialization in Education Leadership from the University of Memphis where she was recognized as the Outstanding Policy Student, the Master of Arts in Teaching with a specialization in Elementary Education from the University of Memphis, the Master of Social Work degree from the University of Chicago and the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Education at Spelman College. 

Dr. Handy has worked in public, charter, and private schools as an early childhood and elementary educator and a learning specialist. She later created and became the inaugural Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at an all-girl private school in Memphis. She has also served as a diversity consultant, helping local and national organizations develop their inclusion initiatives.

Her love of working with adult learners developed as a professor at her local community college. She has worked as an adjunct faculty member, Lead Faculty and Program Chair, working within all levels of the university from BA to Doctoral. Dr. Handy’s research interests include faculty women of color, educational leadership, open educational resources, and single gender education. 

She has presented at national and international conferences, serves as a journal reviewer and conference proposal reviewer, and is a published author. Her three children’s books help adults have courageous conversations with young children about diversity of abilities. She has also co-authored a book chapter based on her cross-departmental Open Educational Resource Project.

Education is the great equalizer that helps students achieve their personal and career goals. I want nothing more for students than for them to use their education to create generational success not only in their families but also their communities.