By Susanne Reynolds

Strong foundations begin at Bainbridge State College—and Dr. Lisa Martin is proof of the successful alumni to graduate Bainbridge State College. During her time at Bainbridge State, she received two associates of science degree, but that was just the beginning of her educational journey.

In 2000, Martin graduated from Bainbridge High School, and then in 2002 she completed her first associate of science degree, before transferring to Valdosta State University to complete a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree in 2004.

Soon after she was accepted to Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Vision Sciences in 2007—and her Doctorate of Optometry in 2009.

The Bainbridge native returned home to Bainbridge in December 2009, where she held a private practice for a year.

In 2010, she joined the medical staff at Memorial Hospital. Currently, she practices optometry at Bainbridge Ophthalmology.

Martin claims that being a Bainbridge native has given her the opportunity to mentor many students through the school system.

She said, “I have spoken to children at our elementary schools on career day, dissected cow eyes with many middle school students, and I have mentored many of the high school and college students in my office. I love to tell kids about my college career, and I love to tell them that I started at Bainbridge State College.”

During the commencement ceremony on Saturday, April 30, Martin will address the Class of 2016—and congratulate them on a job well done while inspiring them to push even further in their educational journeys.