DACULA, GA, November 11, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Andrew Maurice Simpkins has been recognized for achievement in education, higher education and information technology.

Marked by nearly two decades of experience in leadership and programming roles throughout the technology sector, Mr. Simpkins is the president of AMSimpkins and Associates, a software firm based in the Atlanta metropolitan area that specializes in solutions for higher education platforms. Since 2015, he has led the company through a significant transformation, evolving it from a small consulting operation into a recognized provider of technology platforms for colleges and universities.

Under Mr. Simpkins' leadership, the firm initially focused on higher education integrations, launching AMSA Connect to address sector-specific needs. As the industry's challenges have shifted, he guided the company to develop the Student Application Fraud and Applications Examination (SAFE), a fraud detection platform that has been widely adopted by more than 200 clients across the United States. His hands-on approach as the architect of SAFE's initial version and ongoing involvement in technical development have been pivotal in the program's success.

Today, Mr. Simpkins continues to drive innovation within the company by collaborating closely with his engineering team to shape product development and deliver new features that address emerging needs in higher education technology.

Alongside his work at AMSimpkins and Associates, Mr. Simpkins was a business partner at The Teal Collective in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, from 2022 to 2023, during which he contributed his expertise in software development and business management to drive the company's mission in helping student-athletes pursue name, image and likeness (NIL) marketing opportunities.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Simpkins served as a senior programmer analyst at Suffolk University in Greater Boston from 2012 to 2020. Specializing in custom Envision programming, he supported the university's information technology initiatives while simultaneously building his consulting portfolio — work that would eventually form the foundation for AMSimpkins and Associates. He also taught a Colleague Studio to Application Development course during this time, sharing his knowledge and experience with fellow and aspiring developers.

In 2011, Mr. Simpkins worked as a contractor for American University, further expanding his experience in higher education technology environments. Prior to that, he was a programmer at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta from 2008 to 2009, during which he contributed to software projects supporting medical education and research.

Though his journey counts many milestones, one of Mr. Simpkins' proudest achievements is fulfilling a prediction he made in his high school senior memory book: that within 10 years he would either be playing in the National Football League or running a computer company. Remarkably, exactly one decade after his graduation, he had accomplished both; he balanced a career as an NFL athlete — playing with the Green Bay Packers during their 2010 Super Bowl run and later the St. Louis Rams — while operating his own software business. He considers this milestone his greatest success because it allowed him to turn two lifelong passions into professional realities.

Mr. Simpkins' own educational background includes earning both a Bachelor of Science in computer science and a Bachelor of Arts in business management from Coastal Carolina University, graduating in 2006. As a double major who entered college with the advanced credits he earned during high school, he completed both degrees within five years while also representing the university's football team.

The foundation for Mr. Simpkins' achievements can be traced back to his upbringing and the close-knit family and community environment that instilled a strong sense of identity and purpose in him from an early age. This grounding enabled him to recognize his ambitions early on and provided clarity about the person he aspired to become.

A pivotal moment occurred during high school football practice when an exchange with a coach sparked Mr. Simpkins' interest in applying scientific reasoning to athletics — specifically, analyzing how light travels compared to the speed of a football. This experience marked the first time he realized technology could intersect with sports, deepening his enthusiasm for both disciplines and shaping his future opportunities. Without football scholarships, he would not have pursued computer science academically; conversely, his technological skills allowed him the flexibility to pursue professional athletics while working remotely on software projects.

Also known for his extensive civic engagement, Mr. Simpkins is committed to giving back through both education and mentorship. He is an active member of Omega Psi Phi, participating in volunteer service initiatives coordinated by the organization and alongside his wife Laqwacia.

Together with Laqwacia, Mr. Simpkins co-founded a nonprofit organization around 2015 that they dedicated to introducing youth and community members to coding and information technology careers. Initially self-funded for several years, the nonprofit later attracted outside investment as its impact grew — particularly through programs centered on drone technology that inspired their daughters' entrepreneurial interests.

Mr. Simpkins' community service also includes teaching at an Atlanta-area special needs school that serves students on the autism spectrum and those with similar challenges, further demonstrating his longstanding dedication to inclusive educational opportunities.

Born and raised in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, Mr. Simpkins places family at the center of his life and work. Alongside Laqwacia, who serves as chief executive officer of AMSimpkins and Associates, he oversees operations while fostering a family-oriented culture within the company itself. Together they are the proud parents of four daughters: Kiara, Jordan, Alex and Amauri.

Looking to the future with determination, Mr. Simpkins aims to continue growing AMSimpkins and Associates while establishing the S.A.F.E. platform as an industry standard for fraud protection within higher education technology solutions. He remains committed to maintaining the firm's reputation for excellence as it expands its reach and impact on behalf of its clients nationwide — always grounded by the values of family legacy, community service and professional integrity that have defined every step of his journey thus far.

# # #