Cory Buckner
Cory Buckner begins his second year as an academic counselor/assistant learning specialist at USC. He is responsible for overseeing the academic support for the Trojans Men’s basketball team. Through his assistant learning specialist role, Cory provides one-on-one individualized instruction for at-risk student athletes in various sports. In this capacity, Cory assists student-athletes with a variety of academic issues including, but not limited to: time management, study skills, self assessment, organizational skills as well as learning strategies.
Cory came to USC after serving 2 years at The University Louisville serving both as the Interim Director for Football Academics as well as the academic counselor for football primarily dealing with the offense. Additionally, Cory served as the liaison for the Office of Student Activities, School of Nursing, and the Black Faculty and Staff Association along with a wide variety of administrative duties within the department. During Cory’s tenure at Louisville he helped the football team achieve the highest amount of student-athlete’s over a 3.0 GPA in documented history. Prior to coming to Louisville, Cory spent two years working at Tennessee State University as the academic counselor/academic coordinator for all sports.
Cory is a proud graduate of Indiana University where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
A native of Dallas, Texas, Cory is a member of The National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics (N4A), as well as Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.
Fun Facts about Cory:
Why did you choose USC?
- USC is an outstanding institution of higher learning that promotes the development of students from a holistic approach-mind, body, and spirit. My professional values matched this fine institution. With that I wanted to come here to be a change agent for as many lives of our student-athletes as possible and leave my foot prints as many have done before me.
Favorite Movie
- Coming to America
Favorite Food
- Italian Food
Favorite Quote
- “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Role Model
- Parents – Quinn and Rhonda Buckner
Favorite Musical Performer
- Stevie Wonder
Favorite Book
- Breaking Through – John Mclendon, Basketball Legend and Civil Rights Pioneer
Hobbies
- Reading, running, playing basketball, riding the bike, and spending time with loved ones
Fun random fact
- If I could spend all my time at the beach I would do that and listen to the waves.