Bio
Monic Behnken is the inaugural Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Dr. Behnken is also an associate professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice and served as the director of the Leadership Studies Program at Iowa State University from 2019-2021. A first generation college student, Behnken completed her B.A. in psychology at the University of Houston. She then completed a joint J.D./Ph.D. program in psychology and the law, earning her Juris Doctorate degree from Golden Gate University School of Law and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Pacific Graduate School of Psychology. Behnken is licensed to practice law in Iowa and California. Her research focuses on designing and implementing alternative adjudication programs for mentally disordered offenders and addressing racial and ethnic disparities in complex systems. Dr. Behnken brings to this role her interdisciplinary training and broad range of experiences leading diverse groups to make sustainable progress on issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. She prioritizes collaboration, policy-based change, and integrating DEI efforts into daily practice among students, staff, and faculty.
Contact for questions about:
- Advancing the College’s mission to recruit, hire, and retain diverse students, faculty, and staff
- Improving culture and climate within the College
- Creating inclusive practices
- Advancing equity efforts