Lone Star College System announced that Jose A. “Tony” Castillo has been named the director of veteran’s affairs and services for the system. Castillo will manage the new Veterans Affairs Center housed at LSC-University Park.
The announcement was made by Dr. Ron Brown, LSCS associate vice chancellor of student success.
Castillo is a retired member of the U.S. Army with 23 years of honorable service to the country. He is a combat veteran (Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm) and a product of the U.S. Army Continuing Education System – completing a master’s in adult and higher education from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a bachelor’s of general studies, with a concentration in social and behavioral sciences, from Western Kentucky University.
He formerly served as an education services specialist for the U.S. Army Houston Recruiting Battalion where he implemented Army education-related programs and policies and interacted with state educational associations, high schools, postsecondary schools, vocational schools, school districts, and other components of the education community.
“Lone Star Community College System is leading the nation with the creation of the Veterans Affairs Center,” Castillo said. “I am honored to be a part of such a noble endeavor to properly serve those who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation.”
Castillo’s wife is also a retired Army veteran with 20 years of service and they have a daughter.
“Tony brings a lot of practical experience to the table. As a veteran with his many years of service to our country, he will provide especially unique insight to the position of Veterans Affairs director,” said Brown.
“We’re proud to have him as a part of the Lone Star College team,” Brown said.
The center is currently operational and providing services to veterans as needed, Castillo said, and the college will hold an official grand opening event for the center on Feb. 16 at 10 a.m.
Lone Star College System consists of five colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, and LSC-Tomball, six centers, LSC-University Park, LSC-University Center @ Montgomery, LSC-University Center @ University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. With more than 62,000 students in credit classes this spring, LSCS is the second largest and the fastest-growing community college system in Texas and the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.