University of Alabama at Birmingham Student Affairs has named Michelene Castor the March Employee of the Month, recognizing her outstanding service, collaboration and commitment to supporting military-connected students.
Since joining Veteran Services in fall 2025 as a school certifying official, Castor has played a key role in connecting veterans and their dependents to academic and wellness resources across campus. She regularly collaborates with departments including ROTC, Undergraduate Admissions, the Hill Student Center and UAB Student Counseling Services, and supports outreach initiatives such as the Veterans Expo, Veterans Day 5K, Wreath Laying Ceremony and Coins and Cords recognition ceremony.
Castor is responsible for administering VA educational benefits, a role that requires strict adherence to federal compliance standards. She quickly mastered the certification process and helped maintain operations during a staffing shortage, ensuring the office remained compliant while meeting critical deadlines. She currently manages more than 500 student certifications and contributes to the office’s overall effort to support approximately 1,400 students each semester.
In addition to her technical expertise, Castor is known for creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students. She works closely with military-connected students to help them understand their benefits and successfully transition to academic life. She also supervises and mentors 12 VA Work-Study students, supporting their professional development while fostering a strong sense of community.
Castor’s impact was especially evident during the federal government shutdown at the end of 2025, when she served as the primary point of contact for students experiencing delayed benefits. She helped coordinate more than $9,000 in Veteran Relief Funds for 18 students, ensuring they were able to remain enrolled during a period of financial uncertainty.
What nominators said about Michelene:
Despite joining the office only seven months ago, Michelene quickly learned complex VA systems and procedures, enabling our office to maintain operational stability during a staffing shortage. Her ability to adapt quickly while maintaining accuracy and efficiency demonstrates her dedication to providing the highest level of service to UAB students.
Through her dedication, responsiveness and commitment to excellence, Castor continues to remove barriers for UAB’s military-connected students, strengthening their ability to succeed and thrive.
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