Abigail Baxter

Abigail Baxter is a Professor in the Department of Leadership and Teacher Education at the University of South Alabama’s College of Education and Professional Studies. She holds a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology/Assessment from Vanderbilt University. Her work focuses on special education, language development, and family-centered early intervention models. She has over 25 years of experience in educating children with disabilities, including 20+ years at USA.

Education:

• A.B., Psychology/Sociology, Guilford College (1982)
• M.A., Clinical Community Psychology, University of Maryland – Baltimore County (1985)
• Ph.D., Developmental Psychology/Assessment, Peabody College of Vanderbilt University (1990)

Research: Dr. Baxter’s research emphasizes postsecondary programs for young adults with intellectual disabilities, transition planning, and early intervention. Recent work explores social networks, employment outcomes, and pandemic impacts on disabled students. Earlier studies addressed assessment tools, parental support, and cocaine-exposed infants in urban settings.

Outreach & Grants: She collaborates with Alabama’s Early Intervention System and Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services. Her federal/state/local grants support early childhood and postsecondary programs. She provides professional development for educators and consults for public schools in Mobile County via PASSAGE USA.

Labs/Teams: Engaged with PASSAGE USA and Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services, focusing on early Head Start and inclusive education initiatives.