Recent Student Comments
It has been my joy to teach so many capable and curious students. I hope these comments give a sense of what awaits you in my courses.
Student from Fall 2022
“Super interesting content and in-class activities were helpful for cementing the content. Super happy to have been in the class.”
Student from Winter 2023
"Dr. Shay did an excellent job of being flexible with due dates. He had an unwritten policy of allowing late work if he had not graded the assignment which was honored and I think the entire class appreciated it. He is very kind and the classroom is always a welcome place, and he encourages participation from lots of different people, without forcing anyone to contribute."
Student from Fall 2022
“This course took a slightly different approach to history. Instead of just lecturing the entire time, the students were involved in asking questions and regular input.”
Student from Fall 2022 Student
"The course gave me a wide grasp of history. Thoughtful conversations and intriguing materials promoted critical thinking and contextual analysis."
Student from Spring 2023
“Prof. Shay learned our pronouns.”
Student from Winter 2023
A large range of content was covered from multiple viewpoints. The lectures were very interesting and engaging.
Student from Fall 2022
"First of all, one of my favorite teachers I’ve ever had, seriously. Even though I’m a history major, this is the first history class I’ve ever genuinely enjoyed. Dr. Shay promotes such a positively civil environment during every class and wants us to discuss everything because in the end, our experiences are just as important as the experiences of the people we’re learning about, especially getting into the last 20 or so years. I have such a huge amount of respect for Dr. Shay, not only because of these discussions we’re allowed to have in class, but also because he was always real and honest with us. He never sugarcoated any information or hid anything from us; he always told us the truth, even if it was a hard truth. He was always happy to discuss topics with students outside of what we were learning in class, and that tells me that he genuinely wants to know us and treat us as individuals (with our own ideas, stories, etc) rather than just another student. He asked me once what I like to read and how I go about learning information on my own time; he suggested to me a book he thought I’d enjoy; he asked the class once for movie and tv recommendations. There aren’t enough words to describe how much I love this professor and I’m so glad that my first term at OSU was spent in his class twice a week."