It is a tie between Honors 390 and Psychology 230 for the Best Academic Classes at WSU category of this year’s Students Choice Awards.

Honors 390 is taught in three sections by Richard Lamb, Lydia Gerber, and Richard Quock. Psychology 230 or “Dirty 230” is taught by Laurie Smith-Nelson. Each of these classes offers its own unique insights into the world, whether it’s looking at history or our bodies.

Lamb has been teaching at WSU for three years and began after graduating with his Ph.D. in Education and Human Development from George Mason University.

“I’m very surprised and I appreciate and feel honored by the fact the students would nominate Honors 390 for this,” Lamb said. “It’s been a pleasure working with the Honors students and particularly in 390.”

Gerber has a Masters and a Ph.D. in Chinese Studies with Religious Studies. She’s been a professor at WSU for nearly 21 years.

“I am delighted that the Honors curriculum in general and UH 390 in particular are recognized,” Gerber said. “The Honors College gives each professor significant flexibility in course design, as long as the instructional goals are met. This makes teaching for Honors fun and exciting.”

Quock has been part of the WSU faculty since January of 1999 and has four decades worth of experience in health sciences.

“I am very flattered and humbled by this nomination,” Quock said. “I immensely enjoy teaching this course and consider it part of my civic duty to educate students in the science of drug abuse.”

Smith-Nelson has been a professor at WSU for eight years and has been teaching Human Sexuality (Psych 230) for seven.

“Teaching this class is important to me. I let 520 students into Dirty 230 every semester because I believe the information in the course is vitally important to people’s physical and mental health,” Smith-Nelson said. “As a society we do a horrible job of teaching people the skills and information they need to make good decisions about relationships and sexuality.”

Reporting by McKenna Ralston