UNC Asheville’s U.S. ethnic studies minor program delves into the role of community, history, and politics in racial identity and experiences, bridging local, national, and global contexts.
Why Choose the U.S. Ethnic Studies Minor at UNC Asheville?
Deeper Understanding of Diversity
Students in the U.S. ethnic studies minor program gain exposure to a diverse range of cultures, traditions, and histories within the United States. This can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of our multicultural society. The ethnic studies program encourages critical thinking about race, ethnicity, power dynamics, and identity, and through these lenses, students develop a strong sense of advocacy and activism for marginalized communities and a more nuanced perception of society.
Outside the Classroom
Experiential learning in real-world settings allows you to apply the theoretical knowledge you acquire in the classroom to practical situations. When you engage with diverse communities and environments outside the lecture hall, you foster cultural competence, encounter different perspectives, and build appreciation for diversity in our increasingly interconnected world.
Student Clubs & Organizations
Student-run clubs and organizations provide opportunities for students with shared passions to come together, build community, and form meaningful connections with peers. These peer networks can lead to mentorship opportunities and creative collaboration and can guide you toward exciting potential career paths. With over 70 clubs and organizations to choose from, we’re certain there’s a group aligned with your interests and goals.
Community Volunteering
The Key Center for Community Engaged Learning acts as a focal point for local engagement, facilitating connections among students, faculty, staff, and the wider community to address social issues through meaningful, impactful relationships.
We encourage active participation from students and all members of the UNC Asheville community in a range of initiatives, from short-term projects to academic service-learning courses. The Center aims to empower individuals as they nurture relationships both on campus and throughout Western North Carolina, across the nation, and even globally.
Faculty
Bringing a wealth of expertise and passion to the classroom, our faculty members teach dynamic courses that explore ethnic identities, histories, and experiences. With a commitment to fostering critical thinking, social justice, and cultural understanding, faculty guide students through their education, empowering them to reach their academic and personal goals.
Amanda Wray, Ph.D.
Director of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies
| Office: 213 Karpen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6412 |
| Email: awray1@unca.edu |
Renuka Gusain, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary; International Studies and Humanities; HUM 214 Coordinator; CTL Faculty Fellow, 2021-24
| Office: 214 Zeis Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-3952 |
| Email: rgusain@unca.edu |
Trey Adcock, Ph.D.
ᏣᎳᎩᎯ ᎠᏰᎵ, Cherokee Nation; Associate Professor, Director of American Indian & Indigenous Studies; International Studies
| Office: 214 Zeis Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6961 |
| Email: ladcock1@unca.edu |
Laura Bond, M.F.A.
Professor of Drama & Interdisciplinary Studies
| Office: 120 Whitesides Hall |
| Phone: (828) 232-2992 |
| Email: lbond@unca.edu |
Anne Jansen, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary, International Studies and English; Director of US Ethnic Studies; Diversity Intensive Committee Chair
| Office: 212 Karpen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6582 |
| Email: ajansen@unca.edu |
Jinhua Li, Ph.D.
Professor of Chinese Studies & Language, and International, Interdisciplinary Studies; Faculty-Led Global Studies Program Coordinator
| Office: 213 zeis Hall |
| Phone: (828) 232-5135 |
| Email: jli@unca.edu |
Ethnic Studies Careers & Outcomes
Students who minor in U.S. ethnic studies can pursue a variety of careers that benefit from their interdisciplinary understanding of race, ethnicity, and cultural dynamics. Career paths include industries such as education, social work, public policy, law, human resources, journalism and media, public health, advocacy, and nonprofit and community development.
Our graduates also gain acceptance to highly regarded graduate programs at institutions across the nation.
Related Programs
Ethics and Social Institutions
International Studies
Connect, Learn, and Grow in UNC Asheville’s U.S. Ethnic Studies Program
Develop invaluable skills in cultural competence and social advocacy in the U.S. ethnic studies minor program at UNC Asheville. Through critical inquiry, dialogue, and community engagement, you grow as a compassionate and informed global citizen and prepare to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society in your chosen profession.
Contact Us
| Interdisciplinary Studies |
| Phone: 828.250.3955 |
| Email: interdisciplinary@unca.edu |
