Dr. Noble S. Proctor
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Learn as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die tomorrow.” This inspiring quotation hung alongside the office door of Dr. Noble Proctor for 34 years in the Biology Department at Southern Connecticut State University. Born in Ansonia Connecticut, to Alfred and Ruth Proctor in 1942, he spent his boyhood years there developing his lifelong passion for Natural History. He joined the Army following High School rising to the rank of Sergeant. Completing his time in the Army, he set out on two endeavors that would shape his life’s work. The first was to travel on a Natural History Quest to every state in America, all the Provinces of Canada and most of Mexico searching out and recording everything he saw. The second was to use his extensive knowledge of bird nesting habitats to locate the species needed for Yale University’s field data collection for its research in DNA studies for bird taxonomy classification. The 512 North American bird species nest sightings were one of his proudest achievements in the field.
Noble went on to further his academic studies completing his Bachelor and Master of Science Degrees at Southern Connecticut State University and became an Assistant Professor of Biology there. He completed his Ph.D. at the University of Connecticut and received Full Professorship at SCSU. While a member of the biology department, his open approachability and impassioned enthusiasm for every subject he taught over three decades ignited a keen interest and appreciation in his students, many of whom changed their direction to make some aspect of Natural History their own life’s work. He was awarded The Outstanding Teacher Award, Professor of the Year by Southern Connecticut State University.
Noble was the consummate lifetime learner. His personal library included hundreds of volumes of guides, research and narratives spanning species, habitats and environments worldwide. Noble attained an incomparable breadth of knowledge and wrote and co-authored ten books. His photography appears extensively in texts and publications. His Manual of Ornithology, illustrated by Patrick Lynch is a definitive text used in several colleges. In 2011, Noble and Patrick collaborated on A Field Guide to the Southeast Coast & Gulf of Mexico, which won The National Outdoor Book Award. Noble received many awards and commendations in Ornithology, Ecology and Conservation.
Noble led tours in 90 countries throughout the world introducing many to the majesty and diversity of their species, habitats and environmental cultures. He planned his itineraries toward the certainty all on tour had the opportunity to see the most sought after species and many unexpected sightings as well. In his lifetime, he saw over 600 species of birds.
In 1971, Noble married Carolyn George. They lived together in Branford for 44 years raising two sons, Adam and Eric. During his years in Branford, Noble spoke at the Garden Club, recorded volumes of Natural History data at the Supply Pond and initiated a study of vernal pools in Branford. His legacy as a teacher persisted in lifting awareness in others that there was “Always Something to See.”
Noble went on to further his academic studies completing his Bachelor and Master of Science Degrees at Southern Connecticut State University and became an Assistant Professor of Biology there. He completed his Ph.D. at the University of Connecticut and received Full Professorship at SCSU. While a member of the biology department, his open approachability and impassioned enthusiasm for every subject he taught over three decades ignited a keen interest and appreciation in his students, many of whom changed their direction to make some aspect of Natural History their own life’s work. He was awarded The Outstanding Teacher Award, Professor of the Year by Southern Connecticut State University.
Noble was the consummate lifetime learner. His personal library included hundreds of volumes of guides, research and narratives spanning species, habitats and environments worldwide. Noble attained an incomparable breadth of knowledge and wrote and co-authored ten books. His photography appears extensively in texts and publications. His Manual of Ornithology, illustrated by Patrick Lynch is a definitive text used in several colleges. In 2011, Noble and Patrick collaborated on A Field Guide to the Southeast Coast & Gulf of Mexico, which won The National Outdoor Book Award. Noble received many awards and commendations in Ornithology, Ecology and Conservation.
Noble led tours in 90 countries throughout the world introducing many to the majesty and diversity of their species, habitats and environmental cultures. He planned his itineraries toward the certainty all on tour had the opportunity to see the most sought after species and many unexpected sightings as well. In his lifetime, he saw over 600 species of birds.
In 1971, Noble married Carolyn George. They lived together in Branford for 44 years raising two sons, Adam and Eric. During his years in Branford, Noble spoke at the Garden Club, recorded volumes of Natural History data at the Supply Pond and initiated a study of vernal pools in Branford. His legacy as a teacher persisted in lifting awareness in others that there was “Always Something to See.”