“Besides assisting the chair and faculty with various tasks on a daily basis, I also am our building manager, fixed assets custodian, course scheduler, department graduation planner … the list goes on.” Monique explains. “My job is constantly changing depending on what is happening. It definitely keeps me on my toes.”
Monique joined the department in 2014, but her first experience with VCU was as a student. Monique attended VCU from 2004 to 2008 and graduated with a degree in business administration and management.
“Although I had lived in Richmond just about all of my life, I didn't know much about the downtown area or VCU at the time so it was intriguing and a bit intimidating for me,” says Monique. “But as a first-generation college student, graduating was something I was determined to do.”
Monique also got her first taste of VCU staff life as a student. When she was a sophomore, Monique worked as an office assistant in the Department of Painting and Printmaking in the School of the Arts. It was this experience that made her want to return as an employee after graduation.
“When I was a work-study student in the School of the Arts, I loved the closeness that everyone had there,” says Monique. “HPEX has the same feel. You have your challenges of any job but at the end of the day, everyone is working together with the same common goals in mind.”
Prior to returning to VCU, Monique worked for the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Virginia Department of Taxation.
Monique is proud of her Ram roots and is happy to be back. “VCU feels like home and I would not want to be anywhere else.”
In her off time, Monique prioritizes hanging out with her four nieces and one nephew. She says, “Being around them makes me feel like a kid again,” despite the chaos of adult work-life. You can also find her relaxing through exercise, reading or binge watching a show on Netflix.