The Blue Banner

The Student Voice of UNC Asheville
A bear cub hangs out on the UNCA quad.
Bear With Us: Living Safely in Asheville’s Bear Country
SGA met Monday 8/25/2025
SGA and student body meet 8/25/25 to talk and bring action for student voices
Composting poster in Brown dining hall.
Composting returns to campus but with concerns from the student body
Dykeman Hall closed after the fire, Aug. 29.
Campus police saved instruments from the Dykeman Hall fire
George Johnson, throws away trash
After the 2 year absence composting returns to campus with a twist
Jan Málek outkicked his component for the win at the Duel in the Valley meet, Aug. 29.
Jan Málek announced Runner of the Week for UNC Asheville
Conrad Eriksson and Rodrigo Mendez named players of the match. Players photographed by Kennedy Noe, graphic made by Sage Branch
UNC Asheville men’s soccer triumphs over Georgia State in a record breaking match
Bryce James, Kieayla Williams & Max Smydra are UNC Asheville's new track and field transfers.
Get to know our new transfers on the Track & Field team – New dogs in the house
Rodrigo Mendez is named player of the match. Player photographed by Dani Nicosia, graphic made by Sage Branch
UNC Asheville men’s soccer defeats Howard in season home opener
UNC Asheville Track and Cross Country Athlete: William “Hank” Neal
The UNCA quad during the Weeks of Welcome
International students feel Asheville is welcoming
A customer holds their freshly-used Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm.
Luxe lips: a Summer Fridays makeup review
Asheville residents gather in Pack Square on Feb. 8 to protest ICE and the rise in deportation.
The myth of the perfect activist
Inhaler rocks a sold-out Orange Peel show with memorable alt-rock songs
Inhaler rocks a sold-out Orange Peel show with memorable alt-rock songs
Unlock holistic wellness: how yoga and acupuncture harmonize mind, body and emotions for optimal health
Unlock holistic wellness: how yoga and acupuncture harmonize mind, body and emotions for optimal health
Students and staff alike attending Rockypalooza, one of many major events organized by the student involvement groups.
Two new student involvement groups are being introduced to UNCA
Moon Stracener, Alexa Kaley, Jason Braswell and more Run Club members start their first track workout.
New Run Club unites students through fitness
Members of UNCA Wesley during an intense game of Cards Against Humanity in Highsmith.
Belonging and bonding through religion and queerness
Leon Perez, owner of Don Pastel’s Bakery and Mexican Store, prepares pan dulce in Asheville, North Carolina.
At the table: How food brings Hispanic identities together
Manning Stewart shows off the largemouth bass he caught in Lake James.
First-year Manning Stewart hopes to get students hooked on upcoming fishing club
Comic: Good News Weekly with Elliot Myus
An Introduction to Music Technology Student Aaron Higgins
A Nod and A Glance: Tango Etiquette in Asheville
UNC Asheville Track and Cross Country Athlete: William “Hank” Neal
Inside SGA with Ben Chachula: Student Leaders Share Their Stories
The NC Mountain State Fair honors western NC with thrilling entertainment and sweet local treats
UNCA Ceramics & Art Sale (Spring 2025) Photo Gallery
Chalk on the quad during the UNC Asheville’s Chancellor’s Installation Photo Gallery
Save The Woods Chalk Art Photo Gallery
Downtown After 5 Photo Gallery
American History Crossword
’90s Girl Bands Crossword
Women in Entertainment Crossword
Banned Books Crossword
Sci-Fi Movie & TV Characters Crossword
Exploring UNCA’s Admission, Financial Aid, and Recruitment with Mavie Marcos
Love Songs Throughout The Decades – Valentine’s Day Spotify Playlist
SOS Episode 5: Bryce Long and the UNCA theater department
SOS Episode 4: Adam Pohl and Ultimate Frisbee
The Blue Banner: Staff Writers’ Takeover
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The Blue Banner

The Student Voice of UNC Asheville

The Blue Banner
All content by Joshua Staley
Canva created by Joshua Staley.

Healthy aging starts now: how staying active can help prevent falls later in life

Joshua Staley, News Editor, [email protected]
December 10, 2024
Talk... to a healthcare provider, pharmacist, family and friends. Exercise... to improve your balance and strength. Act... to get your eyes, ears and feet checked annually. Make... your home safer.

Standing Strong NC: an interview with Ellen Bailey, co-chair of the NC Falls Prevention Coalition

Joshua Staley, News Editor, [email protected] 
December 4, 2024

Autumn-loving bulldogs appreciate Fall foliage across the country

Joshua Staley and Sarah Booth
November 4, 2024
The UNC Asheville quad after a light dusting of snow and rain on Jan. 19.

Snow falls on Asheville, except it doesn’t

Joshua Staley, [email protected], News Editor
February 8, 2024
Graphic by Joshua Staley.

Welcome Back Bulldogs

Joshua Staley, News Editor, [email protected]
February 1, 2024
A Pokémon spotted in the wild, by Highsmith, enjoying their lunch.

[Photo] UNC Asheville students haunt the campus in style this Halloween

Sydney Mason, Joshua Staley, Arts & Features Writer, [email protected]
October 31, 2023
Composting bin at the Highsmith Grotto.

UNC Asheville loses its composting program

Addison Wright and Joshua Staley
September 21, 2023
Welcoming back the Bulldogs

Welcoming back the Bulldogs

Joshua Staley, Co-Editor-in-Chief, [email protected]
August 31, 2023
UNC Asheville senior Sebastian Cothran, now Haywood County’s tax collector-elect.

UNC Asheville student supplants Democratic incumbent for tax collector

Joshua Staley, [email protected], Sports Editor
November 16, 2022
various signs around the park displaying HHN.

Bulldogs off the leash: halloween horror nights delights with frights

Joshua Staley, [email protected], Sports Editor
October 26, 2022
A scare actor waits patiently for their prey.

Mel’s “Die-In”, where the food’s to die for.

Universal’s legendary monsters clash inside the Legends Collide haunted house.

Several brave souls wait to catch the subway for the Descendants of Destruction haunted house.

various signs around the park displaying HHN.

The Pumpkin Lord welcomes those that enter Universal.

The Creature From the Black Lagoon relaxes as it welcomes travelers into the Dead Coconut, a lounge bar at Universal.

A witch attempts to put a spell on attendees.

This devil looks to drag attendees to hell.

A teleportation pod prop from the movie The Fly, by David Cronenberg, starring Jeff Goldblum.

Enter the 1950’s home of the future with Bugs: Eaten Alive, a haunted house at HHN.

Senior Corey McVay works with Career Peer Molly Newburger.

A look into the role student employees play at UNC Asheville

Joshua Staley, [email protected], Assistant News Editor
April 5, 2022
Mathias Farley completes a problem while Dr. Christine Boone surveys his solution.

UNC Asheville’s music department keeps on rocking through the pandemic

Joshua Staley, [email protected], News writer
March 21, 2022
Lisa Wilcocks and rally organizer William Najger showing support for Ukraine.

Staff and students weigh in on the war between Russia and Ukraine

Joshua Staley, [email protected], News writer
March 7, 2022
Atmospheric Sciences Professor Christopher Hennon working from his office in Rhodes Robinson Hall.

Students and faculty weigh in on UNC Asheville’s changing mask mandate

Joshua Staley, [email protected], News writer
March 2, 2022
Exercise can be a great self care strategy for relieving stress.

Dealing with depression and anxiety at UNC Asheville

Joshua Staley, [email protected], News writer
February 22, 2022
Student Affairs Case Manager Co-Kima Hines works in the Governor's Hall housing office.

Reshaping New Year’s resolutions into more achievable goals

Joshua Staley, [email protected], News Writer
February 17, 2022
Asheville artist Braethun Bharathae-Lane enjoying a sunny day with Ruby.

NFTs and what they mean for the Asheville art scene

Joshua Staley, [email protected], News writer
February 7, 2022
Students and teachers connect via Zoom.

Instructor implements controversial mandate involving Zoom cameras

Joshua Staley, [email protected], News writer
January 31, 2022
Students make the most of a sunny day on campus as they move from one class to another.

A return to normalcy as students begin to attend in-person classes

Joshua Staley, [email protected], News writer
January 25, 2022
Photo by Joshua Staley Rocky the Bulldog welcomes students to Chestnut Hall

UNC Asheville works through rising omicron cases

Joshua Staley, [email protected], News writer
January 17, 2022
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