The University of North Carolina Asheville has announced that it has honored four women known for their visionary leadership and advocacy by renaming buildings on the University’s campus. Former Hoey Hall is now named Ray Hall, for 2016 UNC Asheville honorary degree recipient and former member of the UNC Asheville Board of Trustees Julia Ray; the former Ashe Hall is named for Ella Bird, Beloved Woman of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and 2017 UNC Asheville honorary degree recipient; the former Vance Hall is now known as Dykeman Hall, to honor Wilma Dykeman, noted author, advocate for women’s rights and environmental stewardship; and the former Carmichael Hall is now Delany Hall honoring Francine Delany, pioneering Asheville educator and leader across the state of North Carolina. The new Ray, Bird, Dykeman and Delany Halls were celebrated in a reception attended by Julia Ray – who recently turned 107 years old – and her family, Wilma Dykeman’s family members, faculty, staff, and students on Nov. 3, 2021.
“This is a red letter day for the University and for our academic community,” says Chancellor Nancy Cable. “The faculty, staff, student and alumni task force was charged by our Board of Trustees to review campus buildings and to suggest leaders to honor by renaming buildings. These changes represent the values of UNC Asheville and allow us to honor leaders who are unsung heroes of this great University.”
Read more about the renaming here.
© 2026 UNC Asheville
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