Asheville – Among Buncombe County’s nearly 50 historical markers, you’ll find this one at the corner of Broadway Street and Weaver Boulevard in Asheville: “UNIVERSITY OF N.C. AT ASHEVILLE – Established 1927; became Asheville-Biltmore College 1936. Moved here in 1961. A campus of The University of North Carolina, 1969.”
The University of North Carolina at Asheville (UNC-Asheville) stands as a vibrant testament to a long history of academics nestled amidst the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As a thriving liberal arts institution, UNC-Asheville embodies the commitment the people of the area have for the pursuit of knowledge. UNC-Asheville has a rich history that intertwines with the cultural fabric of Western North Carolina, evolving from a humble start to a revered institution of higher learning.
In 1927, Buncombe County witnessed the establishment of Buncombe County Junior College, a visionary project spearheaded by William Henry Jones, the esteemed principal of Biltmore School near Asheville, and Alonzo Carlton Reynolds, the Superintendent of Buncombe County Schools. In tandem, the College of the City of Asheville was also founded the following year under the auspices of the city school board.
Initially operating as free public institutions, both colleges encountered financial challenges in 1930. This hardship led to the closure of the city college and the imposition of tuition fees at the county college. Consequently, the surviving institution underwent name changes, evolving from Biltmore Junior College in 1930 to Biltmore College in 1934 and later to Asheville-Biltmore College in 1936.
It wasn’t until 1955 that a turning point emerged when the NC General Assembly allocated a modest appropriation for the institution, which received further increments in 1957. The enactment of the Community College Act of 1957 marked a milestone, as Asheville-Biltmore became the inaugural institution to qualify as a state-supported community college. This transition saw the establishment of a board of trustees appointed by the governor and various local governing bodies.
The subsequent years brought substantial growth. In 1958, the residents of Asheville and Buncombe County endorsed a substantial bond issue of half a million dollars for capital funds, empowering the college to embark on its expansion. With additional state allocations, the college initiated its expansion program in 1959 and acquired land in north Asheville at its present location, paving the way for the construction of new buildings.
By 1961, further affirmations from voters resulted in a majority approving a $750,000 bond issue and a tax levy for the college’s continued development. These funds, complemented by local and state contributions, led to the college moving to its current location and facilitated the construction of additional buildings. During this period, Governor Terry Sanford appointed the Governors for the University of North Carolina at Asheville.
In August 1962, the Commission on Education beyond the High School submitted its findings to the state’s General Assembly, advocating for the evolution of Asheville-Biltmore into a state senior college. By 1963, the Omnibus Higher Education Act was passed, transforming Asheville-Biltmore into a state senior college effective from July 1, 1963.
Subsequently, the school’s mission underwent significant transformation, culminating in the graduation of its first four-year class in 1966. Following in-depth deliberations, a committee from the consolidated University of North Carolina System visited the institution in April 1968, advocating for its incorporation into the esteemed University of North Carolina system. With legislative approval, Asheville-Biltmore College transitioned officially to the esteemed University of North Carolina at Asheville on July 1, 1969.
UNC-Asheville stands as a beacon of academic excellence, fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity, inclusivity, and community engagement. Its dedication to liberal arts education, vibrant campus life, and breathtaking natural setting render UNC-Asheville an institution where students can truly flourish.