Staff say the center serves as a year-round space focused on culture, education, and connection for students, faculty, and staff across campus.
Established in 2020, the center has grown into what students describe as a supportive environment and cultural hub on campus.
"I've been able to discover more about Asian American communities in North Carolina," said student Daniel Quan.
With finals wrapping up, Quan is already looking ahead to his junior year, where he is majoring in political science and history.
He spends much of his time at the Asian American Center, where he works while also deepening his understanding of his identity.
"Asian American history is part of American history, and it deserves to be remembered, talked about, and discussed in a serious way. Not just with other Asian people, but with everyone," he said.
Staff say although the center was officially established in 2020, the need for a space like it had been building for years.
They point to national events around that time, including the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and a rise in anti-Asian discrimination and violence as moments that underscored its importance.
"There were a lot of events, as we remember, the beginning of a global pandemic, anti-Asian violence, and the discrimination and racism that stem from those events," said associate director Dr. Kevin Kim.
He told ABC11 UNC's Asian American Center serves hundreds of students, staff, and faculty each year through programming and outreach.
"This year we hosted over 30 programs dedicated to exploring important issues in the AAPI community, whether it's public health, political engagement, or the history of immigration to North Carolina," Kim said.
One of those efforts includes a traveling exhibit that brings the center's work into urban, rural, and suburban communities across the state, highlighting the diversity of Asian American experiences in North Carolina.
An exhibit participant once told Kim, "Thank you so much for bringing the exhibition to Catawba because I got to learn more about my neighbors." Kim says that feedback reflects the broader mission of the center.
"You don't have to be Asian to appreciate Asian American history and studies," he said.
Dr. Kim also acknowledged that cuts to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives have impacted the center's budget. However, he says the mission remains unchanged.
He notes the Asian American Center is the only one of its kind in the entire UNC System.
Because of that, staff also work to share programming and resources with other universities, with hopes of expanding similar centers across campuses.
"We're hoping there's interest in growing Asian American studies both on our campus, but also throughout the system," Kim said.