Monique Pikus

A Campus for All: Dr. Monique Pikus on her job, inspirational women, and standing up for what's right

By Jacqueline Magno | Social Media Intern

June 29, 2021

Raised by her grandparents and mother in the south side of Chicago, Dr. Monique Pikus experienced the best and worst of what public education had to offer. When she moved from her neighborhood school to a magnet school in the same district, she realized the difference a quality education can make on a student's success.

"My trajectory changed," she said, reflecting on her transition between schools. "Not becuase my ability or effort changed, but the access I had to resources. It opened my eyes to the power of education and the importance of inclusion and equity."

Now, Dr. Pikus serves as the Director of Diversity and Organizational Climate for The College of Liberal Arts, where she champions greater diversity in the classroom and beyond.

"My job looks different day-to-day," she explained. "I have meetings with department chairs, faculty, and students regarding inclusion and equity concerns. I co-chair the Diversity and Inclusion Plan Taskforce with Dr. Karma Chavez, where we're developing a strategy for college-wide inclusion. I also work on projects like COLA Community Conversations, where we discuss articles, TEDx Talks, and podcasts related to inclusion and equity."

This isn't the first time Dr. Pikus has stepped into a new role on The Forty Acres.

"Every job I've had at UT has been new," she admitted with a laugh. "I was the first Associate Director of Liberal Arts Honors and the first research fellow to perform data analysis for The College of Liberal Arts. It has been both exciting and terrifying."

She expressed a similar attitude in taking on such a critical role in the college's diversity and inclusion efforts.

"These issues are so important to me and my team, and we all want to get it right," she shared. "Still, I get excited to use all my skill sets."

As the Director of Diversity and Organizational Climate, Dr. Pikus urges students to speak out against harmful language towards all communities.

"If something was said inappropraitely, take the time to educate others in a kind way. Be as empathetic as possible."

She also advises students to focus on the impact of their words.

"We may not intend to harm others in everyday conversation, but the impact is still there. Instead of becoming defensive when someone finds what you said questionable or insensitive, accept that and ask, 'What was the impact of my words?'"

Beyond the Dean's Office of Diversity and Organizational Climate, Dr. Pikus relies on her sociology background to teach students about education inequality.

"Take my class in the fall!" she encouraged. "I teach Inequality in the U.S. Educational System, where we study the development and maintenance of educational discrepancies in the United States."

She attributes much of her academic and professional success to her grandmother, who taught her the value of hard work.

"My grandmother accomplished so much without a formal education. She raised a family, ad we've all gone on to do great things."

She also remains inspired by Dr. Pamela Braboy Jackson, whom she met her freshman year at Duke University.

"She was another African American woman from Chicago, and she inspired me to get my doctorate degree in sociology. I was going to be a lawyer, but seeing her work made me want ot follow in her footsteps."

Outside of the office, Dr. Pikus enjoys spending time with her family.

"I have two beautiful daughters who keep me busy. I love watching movies, going for walks, and reading with them," she said. "We also got our first family dog during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been exciting for both my husband and I."

For students starting their career journeys in The College of Liberal Arts, Dr. Pikus says an open mind is crucial.

"My career has taken lots of twists and turns. If you told me in graduate school that I would have the job I do now, I would've looked at you a little sideways."

She also reminds students to set healthy boundaries between their academics and social life.

"If you're working all the time, your body and mental health will catch up to you," she warned. "So don't feel guilty for relaxing. You're not wasting time, you're recharging. You're gaining the energy to do things that will bring you success in the future." 

For more information, visit the Dean's Office of Diversity and Organizational Climate and their list of student organizations and resources promoting greater diversity on campus.

You can also contact Dr. Pikus at mpikus@austin.utexas.edu with any related questions, concerns, or ideas. She remains committed to learning from her students and supporting them in any way possible!