By Vincent Focht
CCC Journalism Program
BLACKWOOD – Corey Avery has been a dedicated member of the Camden County College community for the last five years, making his mark both inside and outside the classroom.
As an on-air host with 91.5 WDBK-FM, the college’s radio station, Avery has contributed his voice and creativity to campus broadcasting, helping keep the students on campus informed and entertained. During his five years at CCC, he has witnessed the campus evolve through numerous improvements, giving him a unique perspective on how the college continues to grow.
Finding community at Camden County College
Avery, a Camden County College student since 2018, said he appreciates the school’s diversity and sense of community. “There’s plenty of different races here and it’s very diverse with people from all over the world,” he said.
Avery enjoys spending time in the remodeled student gaming room in the community center. He takes part in the Madden tournaments held there each year. “I lost last year and came in second place, hopefully trying to win it this year,” he stated.
Still, Avery believes the college could improve its advertising of on-campus opportunities. “We have a dental hygiene clinic where the students that want to become dental hygienists clean your teeth for $5,” he said. He added that he even got a pair of eyeglasses for a low price through the ophthalmic science technology program on the Blackwood campus.
Avery noted that many students don’t know about these affordable services that can help in financial situations.
The radio life
Avery found a new passion through his involvement with Camden County College’s radio station, 91.5 WDBK-FM. “It gets me to do other things outside of my main on-air show,” Avery said.
He enjoys talking about sports and appreciates the unique experience of being on live radio, adding, “We talk sports and we are allowed on the radio, which a lot of people can’t say they can do.”
Radio station coordinator Nick Earnshaw praised Avery’s dedication, stating, “He’s an asset to the station. He’s there when you don’t even ask him to be and I think he’s going to go on to do really cool things.”
The athletic journey
Avery’s athletic journey began with football, which he played until seventh grade, but his true passion shifted to basketball. “I fell in love with basketball way more,” he said.
Lacking the ideal size for football, he didn’t reach 100 pounds until high school and stood at 5-foot-1. Avery found his rhythm on the court instead. Showing off his smooth and groovy playing style, he continued pursuing basketball through his freshman year at Camden County College, playing as a guard in the 2018-19 season, when the sport became a section of his college experience.
The future awaits
Looking ahead, Avery is focused on his future beyond Camden County College as he works toward his business degree. Set to graduate in the spring of 2026, Avery anticipates his next step. “I do want to transfer to either Rutgers-New Brunswick, Rowan or Stockton,” he noted.
With his goals in sight, Avery looks to continue building on the foundation he’s developed at Camden County, both academically and personally, to seek to become an entrepreneur.
The family support
Avery credits much of his success and motivation to the strong support around him. His grandmother, with whom he lives, he said, has been a sturdy presence in his life. He also expressed gratitude for his great aunt, saying, “My great aunt takes me back and forth to school, what a blessing to have her in my life.”
Along with his mother and brother, Avery said each of them has played an important role in keeping him focused, encouraged and grounded as he works toward his goals at Camden County College.