Cory Buckner

Cory Buckner is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the USC Rossier School of Education, specializing in intercollegiate athletics, college student development, and higher education administration. He teaches in the Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs (PASA) master’s program and focuses on mindset development and mentorship for graduate students and early-career professionals.

• EdD in Educational Leadership & Higher Education Administration, University of Southern California
• Masters in Higher Education and Student Affairs, Indiana University

His research interests include the intersection of academic support and athletics, student success frameworks, and authentic mentorship practices. Buckner also emphasizes equity and inclusion in higher education pedagogy.

• USC Rossier PASA Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year Award (2022)
• USC Rossier Excellence for Equity Faculty Award (2022)

Buckner has taught courses such as EDUC 617: The Student-Athlete in Higher Education, EDUE 563: History of Higher Education, and EDUC 611: Athletic Administration. Before joining USC full-time, he served as an adjunct faculty member and held leadership roles in athletic academic support at the University of Louisville and Tennessee State University.