Kristy Simpkins joins the School of Data Science as assistant director of online student success and engagement. She is a Charlottesville native who has worked to empower diverse college students in several different Virginia Colleges and Universities for over 10 years. Simpkins earned a Master of Education in Counseling from Old Dominion University. Her undergraduate degree was in Sociology and she is also a Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Prior to coming to the School of Data Science in 2022, she spent half of her professional career dedicated to building student success support for college students and the other half creating and implementing WahooWell at the University of Virginia, a well-being support resource in Student Health and Wellness.
As a first-generation college student who found her calling and persevered with the help of a network of support, her passion is helping others to do the same. Simpkins enjoys developing and streamlining support resources and creating communities in which students can thrive. When meeting with students, she provides space for them to explore personal and professional success and well-being from a positive, accepting, and holistic approach. Outside of work she enjoys playing music, growing things, going on adventures, and being in nature.
