Welcome to the new library homepage for students who enrolled through Northcentral University. To access the old NCU library homepage, click here. If you enrolled through National University, click here. Please be aware that the NU and NCU students have access to all of the same resources, and we will be merging library homepages by next year.
Welcome to the new library homepage! If you are looking for the old homepage, click here.
To tell you more about the National University community, we will periodically post a Student Spotlight on some of the wonderful people who frequent the Library. This Student Spotlight focuses on Robert Frisby, a veteran, library user, and graduate student finishing up an MA in History.
Tell us a little bit about your background.
I am from the Washington, D.C. suburbs originally and the Navy brought me to San Diego the first time in 1978. My undergraduate degree was in Biology, received in 1974 from Towson University. In 1978 I received my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland. I was commissioned a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps and then spent the next 29 years traveling the world fixing the teeth of Sailors and Marines. I also received a Master of Health Administration degree from Chapman University while on active duty in 1994. I retired from active duty in 2007 and continue to work to this day for the Naval Medical Center San Diego, MCRD Branch Dental Clinic.
What made you decide to pursue an MA in History?
I always loved history, but it did not make sense to major in history when I needed so many science courses for entrance to dental school. But about 19 years ago, I was eating lunch in the lounge of my clinic in Virginia, when I heard a Third Class Petty officer ask who was Herbert Hoover. So since I had been out of high school for 28-29 years at the time, I wondered what the other junior enlisted personnel knew of Mr. Hoover. Only about a third knew who he was and only one had any inkling when he was President. So I thought as a post-retirement job I might teach history, not for memorization of dates and names, but concepts and patterns of human behavior and belief.
How has your experience been with the National University Library?
The library has been my second home. Not only have I gotten the solitude I’ve needed to study and to write, the librarians have been so helpful in directing me to resources for my thesis. The last time I had to do this much research, there was no Internet, only card catalogs with the Dewey Decimal System, and I had to type my paper in the library because that’s where there were “electric typewriters”. Having access to multiple computers at the library to not only research topics, but to actually accomplish any number of required educational activities such as posting to Blackboard, emailing your professor or classmates, etc. I’ve also utilized the library’s book loan service, receiving a book from another university’s library. I’m sure I haven’t scratched the surface of the library’s capabilities, but between the books on hand and the databases that I have been able to access from anywhere through my computer at home or work, the library has immeasurably enhanced my educational experience.
Any advice for fellow and future students?
As hard as the process may seem, a class a month on top of many other responsibilities at home and work, it is possible to accomplish your goals and complete your educational process. The faculty that I’ve had the pleasure of having, have been responsive and helpful. The librarians have shown me that they have a commitment to our success beyond this being a job for which they are getting paid. Reach out to all of these professionals should you feel you need advice, assistance or sometimes a break. Give it your best shot, for that’s when you truly will get the most out of this experience.
Thank you, Robert, for your service and for taking the time to share your story with us!
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