Carolyn Wiles Higdon

Carolyn Wiles Higdon is a tenured Professor of Communication Sciences & Disorders at the University of Mississippi, with a dual appointment at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She holds academic credentials including EdD, CCC-SLP, F-ASHA, and F-NAP. Her research focuses on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), assistive technology, interprofessional education, and life care planning for individuals with disabilities. Dr. Higdon has held leadership roles in multiple professional organizations, including founding ASHA's SIG 17 and SIG 12, and serves on editorial boards for journals like Journal of Interprofessional Education and Practice.

Education: B.S. (1970), M.A. (1972) in Communicative Disorders from Kent State University; Ph.D. (1987) from the University of Georgia. Professional affiliations include the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), National Academies of Practices, and Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America.

Her research spans AAC implementation, pediatric autism interventions, and the role of speech-language pathologists in litigation and life care planning. Notable publications include foundational texts on life care planning in CRC Press handbooks and contributions to Journal of Life Care Planning. Awards include ASHA's 2022 Certificate of Recognition for International Achievement. Dr. Higdon has advised on national licensure policies, testified as an expert witness, and led global rehabilitation initiatives.