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 can be tricky to pronounce, so here’s a quick guide: “Pin-yay” (with a fun emphasis on the YAY!).

I’ve called Texas, Mexico, Michigan, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. home, though Virginia takes the prize for the longest stay. I’m a first-generation college student who began my academic journey at a community college, transferred to earn my bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and eventually completed a master’s in Higher Education and Counseling.

For more than a decade, I’ve found deep fulfillment working with diverse student populations, including transfer, non-traditional, first-generation, and underserved students. I want all students to know they matter and that they belong, and it’s truly an honor to support them through every step of the process.

Outside of work, my most important role is being a mom to twin girls who are wonderfully different in every way.

Why W&M?

The energy here is inspiring. I love walking through this beautiful, historic campus and being surrounded by people who are welcoming, collaborative, and deeply committed to making William & Mary even better.

Before joining W&M, I worked as a transfer counselor in the VCCS and regularly brought students to campus. I’ll never forget watching their mindset shift from “This isn’t possible” to “I want to go here!” Hearing from former students who went on to graduate from William & Mary (and had meaningful, transformative experiences here) continues to mean the world to me.

W&M students are thoughtful, engaged, and community-focused. They’re empowered to create truly individualized academic paths. Research, interdisciplinary programs, and experiential learning all prepare them to make a real impact in the world. Transfer students absolutely belong here.

Why Admissions?

What I love most about admissions at William & Mary is how holistic and intentional the process is. We truly want to understand students’ stories, experiences, and goals. Being an advocate for students - and helping students and families feel informed, supported, and less overwhelmed - is incredibly rewarding.

Working in higher education allows me to be part of life-changing moments, not just for students, but for generations to come.

What I do for Admission

I work with some truly incredible students and love getting to know them throughout the transfer admission process. As a former transfer student myself, this work is especially close to my heart.

I also serve on the Inclusive Excellence Team, as I’m deeply committed to ensuring students from all backgrounds feel a sense of belonging and are supported to thrive once they arrive. In addition, I serve as the primary contact for the Waitlisted First-Year Spring Pathway Program.

FUN FACTS:

• I love learning about different cultures and am a self-described foodie, traveler, and fan of international films. I especially enjoy practicing my Français or Español with anyone willing!

• In my spare time (ha - what’s that?), I enjoy marathons… TV marathons, that is. I’m always happy to take a great show recommendation.

• In my first career out of high school, I worked as a veterinary technician, and I’ve never lost my love for animals. Bisous ("bee-zoo"), my french bulldog, is a Certified Therapy Animal that I enjoy taking around the community, and you may see around campus sometime! At home, I'm also a proud pet parent to another dog (a poodle), two bunnies, a bearded dragon, two guinea pigs, a green-cheeked conure, and a dozen honeybee hives (my husband is a beekeeper). Between the animals and my twins, life often feels like running a small zoo - and I wouldn’t have it any other way.