UNC Asheville had its beginnings as Buncombe County Junior College, founded in 1927as part of the public school system. It went through several stages of growth and identity, becoming Biltmore Junior College in 1930, Biltmore College in 1934 and Asheville-Biltmore College in 1946.

In 1963 Asheville-Biltmore College became a four-year institution, necessitating additional funds for its growth and development. The Asheville-Biltmore College Foundation was established in 1965 with the initial purpose of communicating to the general public information regarding the college, helping with fund raising, and developing political support as a state institution.

In 1969 Asheville-Biltmore College became a campus of the University of North Carolina, with a special mission: to remain an undergraduate institution; to specialize in the liberal arts; to stress high quality; and to emphasize innovation and education reform.

The Asheville-Biltmore College Foundation was reincorporated as The University of North Carolina at Asheville Foundation, Inc. and has since continued to supplement in numerous ways the activities of the University.