UNC Asheville’s women, gender, and sexuality studies program questions and challenges assumptions and constructs about gender and sexuality that affect all lives around the globe.
Why Study Women, Gender, and Sexuality at UNC Asheville?
Student and Alumni Spotlights
Outside the Classroom
At UNC Asheville, the exploration of women, gender, and sexuality studies extends far beyond the classroom. We believe real-world engagement remains essential for fostering a comprehensive understanding of the discipline.
Queer Studies Conference
One of the standout events that bring our studies to life is the biennial Queer Studies Conference. A hub for diverse voices and perspectives, this conference provides a platform for scholars, activists, and students to come together and engage in critical discussions about the ever-evolving study of gender and sexuality. We invite attendees to explore contemporary challenges, advancements in LGBTQ+ rights, and broader issues surrounding gender identity and sexual orientation.
Student Clubs & Organizations
Our campus hosts a variety of student clubs and organizations, some dedicated specifically to gender and sexuality identities, that welcome students of all backgrounds to express themselves and build community. In these spaces, students connect, collaborate, and make a difference across campus. Joining one of these organizations can be a transformative experience, allowing students to apply the theories and knowledge gained in the classroom in valuable dialogue and interactions with their peers.
Meet the Faculty
Enriched by a dedicated faculty with diverse academic backgrounds, students benefit from instruction from educators passionate about fostering academic excellence and promoting social change. Our women, gender, and sexuality studies program faculty members bring a wealth of expertise, research, and real-world experience to the classroom, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education that extends beyond the theoretical.
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 |
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 |
Susan Clark Muntean, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Business
| Office: 128 Delany Hall |
| Phone: (828) 232-5053 |
| Email: smuntean@unca.edu |
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 |
Laura Jones, Ph.D., M.S.
Associate Professor of Health & Wellness and Athletics Mental Health Coordinator
| Office: 457 Sherrill Center |
| Phone: (828) 251-6123 |
| Email: ljones3@unca.edu |
Sarah Judson, Ph.D.
Chair & Professor of History
| Office: 203 Whitesides Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6297 |
| Email: sjudson@unca.edu |
Heidi Kelley, Ph.D.
Professor of Anthropology
| Office: 225 Zageir Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6980 |
| Email: hkelley@unca.edu |
Amy Joy Lanou, Ph.D.
Executive Director of NCCHW
| Office: 453 Sherrill Center |
| Phone: (828) 250-2317 |
| Email: alanou@unca.edu |
Pamela Laughon, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology
| Office: 220 Delany Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6424 |
| Email: laughon@unca.edu |
Erica Abrams Locklear, Ph.D.
Professor of English; Thomas Howerton Distinguished Professor of Humanities
| Office: 217 Karpen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6592 |
| Email: elocklea@unca.edu |
Melissa Mahoney, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Economics
| Office: 157 Karpen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6672 |
| Email: mmahoney@unca.edu |
Keya Maitra, Ph.D.
Professor of Philosophy
| Office: 239 Whitesides Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6365 |
| Email: kmaitra@unca.edu |
Sophie Mills, Ph.D.
Professor of Ancient Mediterranean Studies
| Office: 122 Whitesides Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6296 |
| Email: smills@unca.edu |
Tracey Rizzo, Ph.D.
Professor of History & Interim Dean of Humanities
| Office: 204 Whitesides Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6315 |
| Email: trizzo@unca.edu |
Anne Slatton, M.F.A.
Assistant Professor of Mass Communication
| Office: 306A Karpen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 232-2422 |
| Email: aslatton@unca.edu |
Megan R. Underhill, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Sociology
| Office: 215 Zageir Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6976 |
| Email: munderhi@unca.edu |
Katherine C. Zubko, Ph.D.
Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, Professor and Chair of Religious Studies
| Office: 139 Zageir Hall |
| Phone: (828) 350-4560 |
| Email: kzubko@unca.edu |
Rachel M. Hanson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of English
| Office: 224 Karpen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6597 |
| Email: rhanson@unca.edu |
Careers & Outcomes
The versatile education students receive as women, sexuality, and gender studies majors prepares them for a wide range of professional opportunities and enriches their lives in countless ways. Many of our graduates find rewarding careers in social advocacy and activism, whether working for a nonprofit organization, government agency, or grassroots movement. In addition, many of our alumni choose careers in education, media and communications, management, policy and advocacy, or health and wellness.
With their strong analytical and communication skills, UNC Asheville WGSS graduates find success in these fields or graduate school.
Related Programs
Empower Your Skills in UNC Asheville’s Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Major
Our Bachelor of Arts in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies is an interdisciplinary exploration of the complex and interconnected aspects of gender, sexuality, and identity. With a diverse range of courses, dedicated faculty, and vibrant co-curricular activities, you gain a deep understanding of these vital issues and their impact on society.
Contact Us
| Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies |
| Phone: 828.251.6634 |
| Email: williams@unca.edu |
