Mathematics and Statistics Department
Why Study Mathematics at UNC Asheville?
The Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Statistics program at UNC Asheville offers flexibility, support, and opportunities to grow both inside and outside the classroom. With three concentrations to choose from, access to scholarships, dedicated faculty mentorship, and hands-on experiences—including the chance to design your own undergraduate research project— this program opens the door to boundless possibilities.
Mathematics and Statistics Department Programs
Mathematics
B.A. Minor
As a math major, you could run logistics for a company, analyze political polls, animate Pixar movies, or combat disease—because high-level mathematics is at the heart of creative and analytical endeavors alike.
Data Science
Minor
UNC Asheville’s Data Science minor gives students hands-on experience with coding, statistics, and data analysis using tools like Python and R. The program prepares students to solve real-world problems and apply data skills across a wide range of careers.
Career Outcomes
Career Outcomes
Those with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics excel in a range of professions. They are adaptable, lifelong learners with proficiency in analysis, mathematics foundations, problem-solving, and critical thinking. These skills make them highly sought-after candidates in careers as actuaries, data analysts or scientists, financial analysts, statisticians, information technologists, software engineers, and educators.
Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate Research
Collaborate with a faculty mentor on research in pure or applied mathematics or statistics. We also support students in applying for competitive summer research opportunities across the country.
Events & Engagement
Events & Engagement
We organize the annual Parsons Lecture, a series that brings a nationally renowned mathematician to the Asheville community, and host the NC State Math Contest each spring. Within our department, students engage with one another and with our faculty through the Math Club, trips to conferences, our annual Math Recital, and potlucks.
Outside the Classroom
Outside the Classroom
Math Lab
The Parsons Mathematics Assistance Center, also known as the Math Lab, is a unique facility and focal point for the department, offering drop-in tutoring, a space to work, rooms for study groups to meet, and computers with specialized software. The Math Lab is open 62 hours per week when classes are in session. It also provides opportunities for students to work as peer tutors.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers a variety of merit‑ and need‑based scholarships to support declared majors at both the incoming and continuing student level. Through these awards, UNC Asheville not only recognizes academic excellence and financial need, but also fosters a supportive environment for students pursuing mathematics, statistics, data science, teaching licensure, and beyond.
I enjoy working with numbers and problem-solving. I’d like to use my math degree to possibly work in the government or as an analyst.
Mathematics and Statistics Department Faculty
Unlike many other universities, our classes are intentionally small, so faculty can give math majors individualized attention. Students are welcome to meet with professors whenever they’re available to find support in their academic or creative pursuits. Our faculty bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the classroom, where their diverse backgrounds result in a robust curriculum.
Becky Sanft, Ph.D.
Chair & Associate Professor of Mathematics & Statistics
Office: 304 Rhoades/Robinson Hall
Phone: (828) 232-5192
Email: bsanft@unca.edu
Jamie Wilhelm
Administrative Assistant
Office: Rhoades Robinson 303
Phone: 828.251.6556
Email: jwilhelm@unca.edu
Math Department Contact Information
Rhoades Robinson 303
828-251-6556
Computer Science Contact Information
Rhoades Robinson 215
828-251-6446
Rudy Beharrysingh
Director of Parsons Math Lab
Office: 323A Rhoades/Robinson Hall
Phone: (828) 232-5191
Email: rbeharry@unca.edu
Greg Boudreaux, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Mathematics
Office: 318 Rhoades/Robinson Hall
Phone: (828) 232-5193
Email: gboudrea@unca.edu
Kedai Cheng, Ph. D.
Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Office: 313 Rhoades/Robinson Hall
Phone: 5195
Email: kcheng@unca.edu
Sam Kaplan, Ph.D.
Director of the Center for Jewish Studies, Professor of Mathematics
Office: 304 Rhoades/Robinson Hall
Phone: (828) 232-5192
Email: skaplan@unca.edu
Jimin Lee, Ph.D.
Professor of Mathematics
Office: 306 Rhoades/Robinson Hall
Phone: (828) 250-2319
Email: jlee@unca.edu
Bryan Martin
Lecturer of Mathematics
Office: 317 Rhoades/Robinson Hall
Phone: (828) 232-5174
Email: bmartin7@unca.edu
Mark McClure, Ph.D.
Professor of Mathematics
Office: 325 Rhoades/Robinson Hall
Phone: (828) 232-5197
Email: mcmcclur@unca.edu
Dave Peifer, Ph.D.
Professor of Mathematics
Office: 314 Rhoades/Robinson Hall
Phone: (828) 232-5187
Email: dpeifer@unca.edu
Megan Powell, Ph.D.
Director of Undergraduate Research, Associate Professor of Mathematics
Office: 307 Rhoades/Robinson Hall
Phone: 250-3875
Email: mpowell4@unca.edu
Julia Webster
Lecturer of Mathematics; CTL Faculty Fellow 2023-26
Office: 320 Rhoades/Robinson Hall
Phone: 232-5188
Email: jwebste2@unca.edu
Cathy Whitlock
Senior Lecturer of Mathematics
Office: 309 Rhoades/Robinson Hall
Phone: 232-2269
Email: whitlock@unca.edu
Kitty Yang
Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Office: 321 Rhoades/Robinson Hall
Phone: 232-5196
Email: kyang2@unca.edu
Ready for What's Next?
Earn a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of North Carolina Asheville and build the analytical and problem-solving skills needed for careers in data science, actuarial science, education, technology, research, and beyond.