Valda Briggs Simpkins was born and raised in Augusta, Georgia. After graduating in1975 from Oakwood College with a Behavioral Science degree, she returned to her hometown of Augusta.
Valda has forty years of experience working with children and adults within the community. She started her career path in 1975 at a local community center in Augusta. She served as a social worker technician and later became project director of the Title XX Child Development Comprehensive Program.
In 1986, Valda accepted employment with the public school system as a high school vocational education teacher. During her time of employment there, she planned and implemented the first child development lab program at the high school. In 1994, she was named Teacher of the Year and earned a Master of Education degree in Secondary Education from South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina.
Valda joined the faculty of Augusta Technical College in 1998 and retired from that institution in March 2016 as Department Head/Instructor of the Early Childhood Department.
Valda is a member of Ebenezer Seventh-day Adventist Church in Augusta.
Valda is the proud parent of two adult children and one handsome grandson. She is married to James Simpkins of Augusta, Georgia.
