Monica Pinier

Transfer students can best reach out to me via [[transfer, transfer@wm.edu]].

Who Am I?

To start, I completely understand that my last name is difficult to pronounce – so here’s an easy guide: “Pin-yay” (fun emphasis on the YAY!).

I've called Texas, Mexico, Michigan, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, and D.C. home; however, Virginia takes the prize for the longest stay. I am a first-generation student who had humble beginnings at a community college, transferred for my Bachelor's degree, and eventually earned my Master's in Higher Education/Counseling, where I've found much fulfillment in the past decade connecting with many diverse student populations such as transfer, non-traditional, first-generation, LGBTQIA+, underserved, and foster care backgrounds. I want all students to know they matter and belong - and it's my honor to walk and support them through every step of the process. My other large role in life is being a mom to (different in every way) twin girls.

Why W&M?

The energy is inspiring. I love walking around this beautiful and historical place. Everyone is very welcoming and each person brings so much value to this campus. I love that W&M is always striving to improve. It's known for its innovation and excellence. In my experience as a former transfer counselor who would come to tour here often with students, I was always impressed with what W&M had to offer students, and how my students' minds would change from "This isn't possible" to "I can- and want- to go there!". Hearing from my former students who graduated from W&M means the world to me that they had incredible experiences here. 

Around campus, I love that our students are very collaborative with one another and focused on the community here. Students can create their own unique academic experience - whether that includes research or combining multiple programs for a specialized academic experience that truly results in a better-prepared, well-rounded student out there improving the world. Transfer students absolutely belong here!

Why Admissions?

I love that at W&M, admission is a very holistic and thoughtful process. We really want to get to know our students and their stories! It's fulfilling to be an advocate for students and to help students/families not feel overwhelmed by the process. It's an honor working in Higher Education because I love to be a part of the change in trajectory for many of our students and generations to come.

What I do for Admission

I get to work with some pretty incredible students.  I truly enjoy getting to know and assisting students throughout their transfer process. As a former transfer student myself, transfers are are near and dear to me and they can absolutely belong here! I also serve on our Diversity & Access Team because I want nothing more than to bring students from all backgrounds to belong and thrive once here. I'm also the primary contact for the Waitlisted Freshman Spring Pathway program. 

FUN FACTS:

• I love learning about different cultures! I’m a foodie, love to travel, and watch international films. I especially enjoy practicing my Français or Español with anyone who is willing.
• In my spare time (ha! what's that?), I like to do marathons. TV ones, that is. I'm always up for a good show suggestion.
• In my first career out of high school, I was a Veterinary Technician for some time and I will always have a special love for all animals. I'm the proud pet parent of two dogs (a frenchie & a poodle), two holland lop bunnies, a bearded dragon, a dozen honeybee hives (we make honey!), two guinea pigs, and two green-cheeked conures. Needless to say, never a dull moment, but I love providing them with the best care and attention, and along with my twins, I absolutely feel like a zookeeper :)