Faculty Of The Week: Danique Montique

By: Safira Schiowitz, Jaqueline Subkhanberdina

Admired by students and faculty alike as a supportive and hard-working presence in the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA), Administrative Intern Danique Montique spreads laughter and authenticity wherever she goes. 

After graduating from the University of New Hampshire (UNH) with a dual degree in Political Science and Justice Studies, Montique arrived at Exeter as a new OMA intern this fall. Montique has made a significant impact through her work as the OMA intern by managing the OMA Instagram page, supervising and guiding OMA proctors, organising cultural events and providing support to all PEA students and members of the Academy community. 

Montique was a student proctor at the UNH’s Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and this sparked a passion for creating spaces for students to shine. According to Montique, the role gave her the foundation for meaningful work centred around identities that she now shares with the PEA community. “PEA offered me the opportunity to continue working in such spaces as well as watching students grow and develop into wonderful human beings.” Montique said.

In her short time at the Academy, Montique’s impact has been notable, both virtually and physically. She can be found building relationships with students over Zoom drop-ins, delivering educational content through OMA’s digital presence or even interacting in-person with the PEA community at cultural events.

Montique said that one of the many highlights of her work at the Academy so far was a poetry reading event by English Instructor Willie Perdomo, hosted by the OMA office. “It was my very first time interacting with the PEA community in-person and it was a pleasure to watch students and Mr. Perdomo share their art,” Montique said.

Those who work closely with Montique in the OMA office commented on her remarkable work ethic, kind and welcoming attitude and her love of having fun. “The OMA Team first welcomed her when she moved into her apartment on campus back in August and since then she has been an integral part of our office,” Dean of Multicultural Affairs Sherry Hernandez said. Hernandez described Montique as “an incredible liaison between our students and our office.”

Despite having little opportunity to interact with students and adults beyond virtual platforms, Montique has been able to impact the Exeter community. “I think her impact will be felt even more as we start to do more things in person,” said Associate Dean of Multicultural Student Affairs Camilus Hadley.

Montique swiftly became a key and distinctive figure on the OMA team, having already formed deep connections to many students through her leadership over the OMA proctors. “She is deeply committed to the well being and growth of students and she has the gift of being extremely understanding and relatable to students,” lower and OMA proctor Kodi López said. “She is also very enjoyable to hang around and loves to have fun.”

Senior and fellow OMA proctor Emily Kang agreed. “Ms. Montique is a super sweet and supportive mentor who is always there to help me. She is committed to helping students out and is very fun to hang out with.”

Both López and Kang noted Montique’s dedication to organizing the My Black is Legendary event, which will take place on Saturday, February 27 at 8:00 p.m. EST. The two-day celebration “consists of celebrating our Black students and their families over dinner for the first night and a fashion show for the second night,” Hernandez detailed.

Lower Ki Odums expressed that Montique makes her feel comfortable and welcomed as an OMA proctor. “She is a super straightforward person that has a wonderful sense of humor,” Odums said.

Upper Mali Rauch recognized Montique’s honesty as well as her devotion to her job. “She is incredibly welcoming and kind, without excusing insensitive behavior,” Rauch said. “I admire that she expresses herself authentically, and does not censor herself in her position with the Office of Multicultural Affairs.” 

Faculty who work alongside Montique in the OMA office have also had many positive experiences with her. “She has a lot of creativity, but she also has this ability to get a big project done,” International Student Coordinator Jennifer Smith added.

“Regardless of the task, she’s going to produce great work. I’ve been really impressed by how she manages various tasks,” Camilus said, “She’s just an overall gem of a person. We’re lucky to have her on the squad!”