When Lisa GreenPope '08 talks to students about careers in healthcare, she brings more than a syllabus to the classroom. She brings a lived experience from nearly every corner of the field. From county health departments and clinical research to hospital systems and higher education, GreenPope has built a career defined by curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to helping others find their path. Now she's back at Onondaga Community College, eager to share what she's learned with the next generation. "I have so many first-hand stories to share that can help students learn and see different options for themselves."
GreenPope is a graduate of East Syracuse Minoa High School who came to OCC and earned a degree in Mathematics & Science in 2008. During her time on campus, she earned membership in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and participated in the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program. She would go on to earn a bachelor's degree in Nursing from SUNY Binghamton, and a master's in Public Health from SUNY Albany. In 2021, OCC recognized her as a distinguished Alumni Faces honoree.
During the fall 2025 semester, GreenPope returned to OCC as a faculty member, teaching students enrolled in her Intro to Health Professions class. "When I was growing up, it seemed like you only knew about becoming a doctor or a nurse. Now there's more awareness of the breadth of what you can do in healthcare. I think there's more personalization and attention paid to students' goals and strengths."
GreenPope is stepping away from teaching this semester while she adjusts to her new role as Data Governance Coordinator at SUNY Upstate Medical University. That side of healthcare aligns with Health Information Technology (HIT), which is one of OCC's most popular health-related degree programs. "I came in (to a health-related profession) through Nursing, but if I did it again, I would go the HIT route. I didn't really know about it back then."
She plans to return to campus in the fall and continue working with the health care professionals of tomorrow. "I really loved my first semester teaching and look forward to returning. It's fun, and it's interesting. I love the opportunity to be able to come back, reflect on my time here, and work with students."
