Examine the human experience as an individual within the local and global community as you enjoy small class sizes and diverse study abroad and study away opportunities.
Why Pursue a Language Degree at UNC Asheville?
Student and Alumni Spotlight
“French is just a personal love of mine, the language is beautiful and language learning feels very organized and compatible with how I learn.”
Keith Edgemont, Class of ’23
Rogelio Gomez Zacarias and his classmate Anya Tucker developed a series of Spanish language little libraries, or bibliotequitas.
Spanish Professor Michelle Bettencourt lead her students in volunteering at a local market during the pandemic to provide food and to help Spanish speakers complete the 2020 Census.
Languages and Literatures Outside the Classroom
Students in the Languages and Literatures major participate in internships, student clubs and activities, and campus events. These experiences shape their education and help build lasting connections across the campus community.
Internships
Hands-on internships allow Languages and Literatures majors to hone their skills in practical settings. These experiences prepare students for what they may encounter in their career, ultimately equipping them with the adaptability many employers seek.
Student Clubs & Activities
Put your German skills into action with the German Club, which holds Kaffee und Kuchen, a biweekly event welcome to all levels of German speakers, as well as a monthly German Film Night.
Students can also engage with the French Conversation Table, another fun option for students to practice their language skills with others and foster connections with their peers.
Faculty in the Languages & Literatures Department
Languages and Literatures faculty are either native speakers of the language they teach or have extensive experience abroad, and UNC Asheville’s small classes make it easy for students to connect with professors to build mentoring relationships and receive personalized instruction.
Tabby Price
Administrative Assistant
| Office: 232 Whitesides Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6419 |
| Email: tprice4@unca.edu |
Myrna Acevedo, M.A.
Lecturer of Spanish
| Office: 227 Whitesides Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6285 |
| Email: macevedo@unca.edu |
Elena Adell, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Spanish
| Office: 229 Whitesides Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6275 |
| Email: eadell@unca.edu |
Michelle Bettencourt, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Spanish
| Office: 224 Whitesides Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6282 |
| Email: mbettenc@unca.edu |
Kelly Biers, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of French; CTL Faculty Fellow, 2023-25
| Office: 243 Whitesides Hall |
| Phone: (828) 232-2440 |
| Email: kbiers@unca.edu |
Maria Idoia Cebria, M.A.
Lecturer of Spanish
| Office: 210 Whitesides Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6737 |
| Email: mcebria@unca.edu |
Benjamin Frey, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Cherokee Language and Culture
| Office: 228 Whitesides Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6419 |
| Email: bfrey@unca.edu |
Lorrie Lowenfield Jayne, Ph.D.
Lecturer of Spanish & Portuguese
| Office: 231 Whitesides Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6274 |
| Email: ljayne@unca.edu |
Doria Killian
Assistant Professor of German
| Office: 231 Whitesides Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6274 |
| Email: dkillian@unca.edu |
Regine Criser, Ph.D.
Lecturer in German
| Office: 006 Ramsey Library |
| Phone: 258-7714 |
| Email: kolson@unca.edu |
Allison Weems, Ph.D.
Lecturer in French
| Office: 225 Whitesides Hall |
| Phone: 232-2439 |
| Email: jweems@unca.edu |
BA in Languages & Literatures Career Outcomes
A degree in Languages and Literatures prepares students for a variety of career paths that involve strong communication, analytical, and critical thinking abilities. Language skills are highly valuable as more employers seek individuals with a strong foundation in a second language. With such a versatile degree, students can become translators or interpreters, copywriters, technical writers, teachers, and more.
Recent graduates utilize their language degree in positions at respected companies and institutions across the nation, and some students gain acceptance to graduate schools to advance their education.
Related Programs
Study a Foreign Language in UNC Asheville’s Languages and Literatures Major
A languages and literatures degree prepares you for an exciting role in engaging with diverse cultures and building connections across communities. Our hands-on learning opportunities, faculty mentorship, and study abroad options enrich your studies and prepare you for a meaningful career.
Contact Us
| Languages & Literatures |
| Phone: 828.251.6419 |
| Email: tprice4@unca.edu |
