UAH alumnus & staff member Katie Greene gives back, one month at a time

Katie Greene (MS ‘22) has a heart for community-building and the energy to make it happen.

Currently serving as the Associate Director for New Student Orientation at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), a part of The University of Alabama System, Katie has spent the past decade working in higher education. With a BS in Hospitality Administration & Management from the University of Central Florida and an MS in Human Resources Management from UAH, Katie is a subject-matter expert in fostering belonging and integrating customer service principles into comprehensive orientation and employee programs.

Katie is on a mission to create welcoming and supportive environments through camaraderie, inclusion and mutual aid. As the facilitator of UAH’s two-day orientation event, Charger Camp, Katie brings passion and expertise to ensure that new students have a positive foundation for a transformative educational experience.

Katie is a valuable campus partner, and their drive to build a strong UAH community isn’t confined to business hours. Outside of work in Admissions, Katie enjoys volunteering at student events like move-in, Week of Welcome, Commencement and Fresh Check Day. In addition to these efforts, Katie serves on the Student Conduct Board and acts as the faculty advisor for the roller-skating club. Katie has also contributed subject-matter expertise to the Office of Continuing and Professional Studies and provides training, workshops, and retreats to local and national clients.

It’s easy to see that Katie values giving back to the community—one of the many reasons they’ve chosen to support UAH as a member of the Blue GEMS Monthly Giving Society. “I’m big on reciprocity,” Katie says. “If I needed help, I would want to know that help is available. We are a village, and we have to support all of our members – whether that’s when they have a financial crisis or need a scholarship to help them finish. We heal the world by realizing we are all here for the same circumstances, facing many of the same issues.”

Katie has designated a recurring monthly gift to go toward UAH’s Student, Staff, and Faculty Emergency (SSAFE) Fund, which provides financial support to members of the UAH community facing unexpected emergencies. “As a first-generation student who relied on Pell Grant funds to attend college, I know what it’s like to struggle financially,” Katie says. “I want to help create a campus community that is built on trust, security, and mutual support.”

As a UAH employee, Katie takes advantage of the opportunity to give through monthly payroll deduction. It’s an easy, regular, and budget-friendly way to accomplish their philanthropic goals. “If one of us is suffering, all of us are suffering. If one of us needs help, all of us need help. I’ve seen how a little help can change the trajectory of a person’s life – I’ve lived it. And I fully believe in paying that forward.”

Beyond UAH, Katie serves on the Board of Directors and Chairs the Access, Community, and Engagement Committee for Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theatre & Academy, skates with Rocket City Roller Derby and hikes throughout the Tennessee Valley. With good music usually playing in the background, Katie lives for the little things and hopes to make a positive impact in the community and beyond.

Interested in joining Katie as a member of the Blue GEMS Society? It only takes a few minutes to get started. Visit our webpage, select your designation in the dropdown menu, and sign up for a monthly pledge to be automatically charged to your credit card. You can cancel or change your commitment at any time simply by notifying us.

As a Blue GEMS member, your monthly donation ensures a steady flow of support throughout the year. To symbolize our gratitude, you will receive an exclusive Blue GEMS lapel pin and prominent recognition on our website and social media platforms (unless you wish to remain anonymous).

I want to be a Blue GEM!