Nathan Greene '13: Always On Call

by Cecil Harris

Nathan Greene ’13 is committed to helping others, particularly in moments of crisis. “I feel that at no other time in history has EMS [emergency medical services] been more needed,” says Mr. Greene, who earned a degree online in emergency services administration from Adelphi University.

Married to a nurse and the father of two, Mr. Greene has been a paramedic for 15 years in Buncombe County in the western region of North Carolina. Mr. Greene received an International Association of Emergency Managers Lacy Suiter Scholarship, named for one of America’s most experienced and respected emergency management and homeland security leaders, while pursuing his degree through Adelphi’s University College. He’s preparing now to transition into a management position.

How did you become interested in emergency services administration?

My goal was to prepare myself for an aging upper-level workforce. Many of my supervisors have more than 30 years of service. I wanted to prepare myself to advance within the local EMS service. As the population ages and threats become a reality, more people will become dependent on the service we provide. I wanted to learn to create a more efficient and effective local emergency management agency.

Why did you choose Adelphi?

I wanted a program that delivered the sociological elements and management training needed to complement the many elements of emergency management and emergency services administration. Administrators must understand society and its needs. Adelphi offered the classes most in line with my vision.

What are the biggest challenges that you face?

Managing my personal life with my professional life. Learning to become more organized. Adelphi has helped me. As an online student, I had to organize my time and stick to a strict schedule while being a father, husband, full-time employee and student. This trial by fire has made me more efficient.

How has Adelphi prepared you to meet your goals?

Adelphi has encouraged me to open my mind and think creatively. It has given me the tools I need to understand governmental administration. It has given me the ability to collaborate, compromise and facilitate. It has given me the ability to set goals and put forth the processes to achieve them.

What advice would you give to someone considering an online program at Adelphi?

Learning is what you make of it. In my opinion, Adelphi has the best staff of professors and advisers any student could ever want. If you put in the work and sacrifice, the professors at Adelphi will make the experience more than you could ever expect.