Christina Hand, MA

Biography

I grew up in Ellensburg, WA, have lived in France, Cameroon, Texas, West Virginia, and moved to Coalinga, CA, about two years ago. I joined Touro in March 2021 as the MSMHS Student Success Coordinator, helping to guide students in their journey beyond the master’s program. I am continually inspired by their determination to reach their dreams. I have worked in higher education for over 20 years - in academic administration, student success, and teaching. Currently, I’m working on my dissertation for a PhD in Higher Education through West Virginia University. I love to learn, and there’s nothing that excites me more than to help others learn through new opportunities and experiences. My husband and I have three grown daughters – the youngest lives with us for the time being, the oldest in L.A. with our baby grandson, and the middle one in San Jose. Living in California has renewed my determination to learn Spanish, which I’m working on through Netflix, tutoring, and reading. Hasta luego!

Education

• MA in Developmental and Adult Education (Texas State University)
• PhD Candidate in Higher Education (West Virginia University)

Research

Dissertation topic: Case study of Makerere University in Uganda through the Lens of U.S. Land-grant Higher Education

Recent Publications

Hand, C. (2018). Review of the book Creating the Market University: How Academic Science Became an Economic Engine, by E.P. Berman. WVU Graduate Student Journal of Higher Education, 1, 25-27.

Hand, C. and Payne, E. (2008). First-Generation College Students: A Study of Appalachian Student Success, Journal of Developmental Education, 32 (1).

Memberships and Affiliations

Member - Association of Study of Higher Education