Carolyn W. Higdon

Meet Dr. Carolyn Wiles Higdon, EdD, CCC-SLP, F-ASHA, F-NAP, Professor Emeritus at the University of Mississippi with a dual appointment at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Higdon brings nationally recognized clinical expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of individuals with complex communication disorders and the specialty areas of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), assistive technology, health policy, and interprofessional practice.

A leader within the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Dr. Higdon has served on numerous boards and committees and is a founding member of ASHA Special Interest Groups in AAC and Global Issues. She is a former department chair, state association president, and accreditation site visitor, and has played a key role in advancing professional standards and licensure across multiple states.

Dr. Higdon’s teaching and scholarship focus on preparing future clinicians to think broadly about service delivery, advocacy, and global practice. She has published extensively, delivered hundreds of national and international presentations, and is recognized as a Fellow of both ASHA and the National Academies of Practice. Students benefit from her mentorship, leadership experience, and passion for shaping the future of the profession.