Anthropology majors at UNC Asheville explore the intricacies of human existence while forging connections across disciplines, immersing themselves in a journey of discovery and understanding.
Why Choose UNC Asheville’s Anthropology Program?
Student and Alumni Spotlight
Professor John Wood gathered students at his home to visit his honeybee apiary, where they identified queen bees, inspected combs, and watched bees waggle dance to communicate about nearby resources. The social organization of insects is just one example of the many ways anthropology majors have unique and meaningful engagements with subject matter.
“All of the classes I have taken in the major have consistently acknowledged the colonial past of anthropology. Whereas a lot of the academic fields have not engaged in this discussion of decolonizing or acknowledging their white supremacist roots, anthropology (at UNCA anyways) is ahead in these aspects.”
Rosanna Barbour, Class of ’22
Anthropology Majors Learn Outside the Classroom
The path toward a UNC Asheville anthropology degree isn’t necessarily that of a traditional undergraduate education — our students learn beyond the four walls of the classroom through research and internship opportunities, campus events, and participation in student clubs and organizations.
Anthropology Internships
We want our students to thrive during their time at UNC Asheville and after graduation. That’s why anthropology majors take ANTH 305, a four-hour course exploring career options and guiding students as they envision their professional path. This internship course requires that students secure their placement, and support in the form of events and meetings help familiarize them with local agencies with available internships.
Campus Events
Chocolate Tuesdays are opportunities for anthropology majors to learn about specific topics and network within their major and with sociology students. Each event offers free chocolate and may focus on subjects ranging from career or graduate school discussion sessions to discipline-specific events led by faculty or guest speakers.
Student Clubs & Orgs
The Sociology and Anthropology Club is open to all students interested in the related majors. In the past, the Club has organized advising sessions, academic success sessions, fishbowl discussions, interest meetings, and presentations featuring subject matter experts. For example, in 2020, the group organized and sponsored a speaking event and masterclass by Candis Cox, a transgender woman of color and vocal transgender and minority rights advocate in North Carolina and across the globe.
Meet the Faculty
In the Department of Sociology & Anthropology, build mentoring relationships with our diverse and interdisciplinary group of faculty members. Among these experts are those with experience conducting research on five continents. Our dedicated faculty work to assist students in comprehending and engaging with the complexities of the world.
Marcia Ghidina, Ph.D.
Chair & Professor of Anthropology & Sociology; Interim Chair of Business
| Office: 206 Zageir Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6975 |
| Email: ghidina@unca.edu |
Paige Ambord, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Sociology and Anthropology
| Office: 206 Zageir Hall |
| Email: pambord@unca.edu |
Jessica Cooper
Administrative Assistant
| Office: 203 Zageir Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6426 |
| Email: jncooper@unca.edu |
Carla Hung
Assistant Professor of Anthropology
| Office: 213 Zageir Hall |
| Phone: (828) 686-5007 |
| Email: chung@unca.edu |
Heidi Kelley, Ph.D.
Professor of Anthropology
| Office: 225 Zageir Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6980 |
| Email: hkelley@unca.edu |
Lee Anne Mangone, J.D.
Adjunct Instructor of Sociology
| Office: 214 Zageir Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6058 |
| Email: lmangone@unca.edu |
Kelly McEnany, M.A.
Adjunct Instructor of Sociology & Humanities
| Office: 203 Zageir Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6808 |
| Email: kmcenany@unca.edu |
Megan R. Underhill, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Sociology
| Office: 215 Zageir Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6976 |
| Email: munderhi@unca.edu |
Caitlin Meagher
Lecturer in Psychology, Health & Wellness, and Public Health
| Office: 219 Zageir Hall |
| Phone: (828) 250-3868 |
| Email: tgeorge2@unca.edu |
Anthropology Degree Careers & Outcomes
An excellent place to explore and inform your interest in anthropology, UNC Asheville and our comprehensive course offerings build a solid foundation of knowledge applicable to an array of professions. Many students use their bachelor’s in anthropology as a stepping stone for master’s or Ph.D. programs, while others plan to pursue curatorial, nonprofit, or community work.
Recent graduates achieved careers in a range of disciplines or gained acceptance into graduate programs at highly respected institutions.
Related Programs
Investigate Social and Cultural Life in UNC Asheville’s Anthropology Degree Program
A bachelor’s in anthropology helps deepen your appreciation of other ways of life, different systems of belief and knowledge, and perhaps most importantly, equips you with a better understanding of the world in which we live. At UNC Asheville, your curiosity guides you toward discovery, connecting the dots on some of the world’s most pressing issues.
Contact Us
| Department of Sociology & Antrhopology |
| Phone: 828.251.6426 |
| Email: socanth@unca.edu |
