UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State Liberal Arts community is deeply saddened by the passing of Bénédicte Monicat, professor of French and women’s studies, who died peacefully at home on Monday, Feb. 17.
Born in Nice, France, to Pierre and Anne Monicat (née Jannot), Monicat pursued her passion for literature, earning a bachelor's degree from the Université Paris-Sorbonne before moving to the United States and settling in the Washington, D.C. area. There, she completed her master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of Maryland, where she also met her future husband, with whom she would share more than 30 years.
Following graduation in 1990, Monicat joined the Penn State faculty as a professor of 19th-century French literature, women’s writing and travel literature — beginning a storied career that would span more than three decades.
Monicat left an indelible mark on the Department of French and Francophone Studies, as well as the Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS). An eminent scholar and mentor, her colleagues said Monicat’s contributions to students, faculty and the field of 19th-century French literature will continue to shape and inspire future generations.
Colleagues shared she was also known for her memorable parties and eclectic jewelry, often hunting for unique pieces while antiquing in France — each as vibrant and distinctive as she was.
Alongside friend and colleague, the late Willa Silverman, Malvin E. and Lea P. Bank Professor Emerita of French and Jewish Studies, Monicat assisted Vera Mark, retired assistant professor of French, Francophone studies and linguistics, and Monique Yaari, professor emeritus of French studies, with their initiative to broaden the scope of the university’s French program beyond literature. By integrating history, sociology and anthropology with a focus on Francophone countries, they helped shape the department, elevate the program’s stature and significantly expand student opportunities.
Adlai Murdoch, current head of the Department of French and Francophone Studies, described Monicat as a uniquely compassionate and supportive colleague, someone whose presence made a profound difference in the department’s day-to-day life.
“Her influence extended far beyond her own research and teaching,” he said. “Her loss is not just a professional one, but a deeply personal one for the students and faculty who had the privilege of working with her.”
Monicat’s work centered on women's writings in 19th-century France, with a particular focus on travel narratives, children's literature and feminist theory. Her writings, including "Itinéraires de l'écriture au féminin: Voyageuses du 19e siècle," published in 1996, and "Aux frontières des savoirs: Écrits de femmes et livres d'instruction au XIXe siècle, published in 2019, examined the ways in which women navigated and challenged gender constraints through literature. Her research highlighted the intellectual contributions of women writers, earning her both national and international recognition.
Beyond teaching French, Monicat was instrumental in building and shaping the WGSS program at Penn State. From its inception, she played a key role in developing it into the robust department it is today, and ultimately established the nation's first dual-title degree programs in French and Francophone studies and WGSS.
Alicia Decker, associate professor and department head of women's, gender, and sexuality studies, emphasized Monicat’s foundational role in the program’s development.
“She’s in the bedrock of this department. Her loss is tremendous, not just for us as colleagues, but for the students, the programs and the future of what she built,” she said.
Monicat held several leadership positions at Penn State during her tenure, including serving as head of the Department of French and Francophone Studies from 2008 to 2013 and as acting department head multiple times. She also served as acting director of the School of Global Languages, Literatures, and Cultures during the fall 2024 semester.
Throughout her career, Monicat received numerous accolades, including the Most Inspiring Teacher Award, 1993-94; the Premier Faculty Award, 2006; the Outstanding Mentor Award from Women in French, 2018; the Pavoučec Shields Award for mentoring, 2019; and the Service to the College Award, 2021. She was an active member of professional organizations such as Women in French and Nineteenth-Century French Studies, frequently contributing to editorial boards and international conferences.
“She was a generous and selfless servant-leader, as well as a dedicated scholar, researcher, educator, mentor, and advisor,” said Clarence Lang, Susan Welch Dean of the College of the Liberal Arts. “She is leaving a deep hole in our college and the University — one that will be impossible for us to fill.”
Monicat is survived by her husband, siblings, extended family, and a vast network of colleagues and former students.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to Centre County PAWS or Centre Safe. Contributions to local organizations of personal choice are also welcomed.
A celebration of her life will take place on Friday, March 7, at 9:00 a.m. at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center at Penn State University Park.