Corey Blay
Corey is Senior Director for Pathways Strategy, Implementation, and Outreach.
My role in the CFA
I’m responsible for helping conceive, execute, and steer the Provost’s Office’s efforts to build pathways to academic and career success for students—whether that’s by encouraging middle school students to imagine themselves completing college or helping graduate students find faculty mentors. I work across the university with schools, departments, offices, and outside organizations to establish programs that empower students to imagine and achieve their academic and career goals.
Most enjoyable thing about my work
The thing I love the most about working at NYU is that I get to develop creative ways that NYU can support students and serve our neighboring communities at the same time. As a former middle school teacher who also did political organizing in Harlem, I chose to attend grad school at NYU because of its slogan “a private university in the public service.” In the nearly 15 years since I first stepped foot on campus, first as a student and then as an employee, I’ve always worked to build partnerships between NYU and organizations and schools in New York City. In the past, that looked like engaging with local elected officials as NYU considered how to grow its campus, going to local high schools to recruit students to attend NYU, or partnering with Fortune 100 companies and local nonprofits to offer tangible jobs for NYU graduates. Now, working for the Provost’s Office, I have the privilege to do this work on an even larger scale and in service of students across the university and city.
Seeing their faces light up with wonder and excitement affirms the many ways NYU can help young people imagine themselves in college and pursuing fulfilling careers
Corey speaking with CCL students at a weekend “Practice Lab” workshop (Winter 2025)
Proudest recent accomplishment at work
One initiative that personally and professionally felt extremely satisfying to me was establishing a partnership between our College & Career Lab (CCL) team and the Path Program at NYU Steinhardt, which promotes the inclusion of students with emotional disabilities within NYC public schools by focusing on emotional and behavioral support. Together, we welcomed about 80 sixth-grade students from IS 219 in the Bronx, introduced them to NYU undergrads, and gave them a tour of the campus. Before returning to NYU in my current role, I was a headmaster of a private school, so it’s extremely gratifying to still be able to work with young students. Seeing their faces light up with wonder and excitement affirms the many ways NYU can help young people imagine themselves in college and pursuing fulfilling careers. I’m excited for CCL and the Path Program to continue to collaborate in the years to come!
Proudest recent accomplishment outside work
Outside of my work at NYU, I’m extremely proud of the work I have the privilege to do with the National Hockey League (NHL). I’m a lifelong hockey player and fan. For the past year and half, I’ve been working closely with the NHL on a range of initiatives related to charitable giving and community impact. In that time, we’ve done a fantastic job establishing the NHL Foundation and its core priorities. We’re ramping up our efforts even more this year, and I’m excited by the progress we’ve already made to introduce hockey to new communities and shine a spotlight on all the different ways people can enjoy the sport. One event we did last year that really stands out to me was in partnership with Disney’s release of Inside Out 2—a movie about a teenage hockey player as she starts high school and makes friends with new classmates. The NHL Foundation invited girl hockey players from all across New York and New Jersey to come to a private screening of the movie and meet some star players from the newly formed Professional Women’s Hockey League. It was such a fun time, and the girls were so inspired by everything they experienced, they couldn’t wait to get back on the ice with their teammates!
Would I go back in time and choose a different career?
Absolutely not. I wouldn’t change a thing. I have felt extremely privileged to do exactly what I hoped to accomplish when I graduated college. I could never have imagined the trajectory my life would take when I was that young, but I know the things I’ve done professionally would make college-aged me very proud. NYU has helped me achieve my dreams, both as a student—a Double Violet—and as an employee. So I wake up every morning grateful to work on issues I’ve been passionate about my entire life for an institution that is very special and important to me.
Bethany Godsoe
Vice President, Student and Organizational Development, NYU Student Affairs
What I’ve enjoyed most about working with Corey is that he is relentlessly mission-driven, brings positivity to every challenge, and always takes time to center relationships in his work. As a founding member of the Changemaker Center team, he built two enduring and deeply impactful programs—the Breakthrough Scholars, which is now housed at NYU Stern, and the Social Sector Leadership Diversity Fellows. Corey was essential to making Changemaker what it is today.
Victor Mullins
Senior Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, NYU Stern
I am honored to work alongside Corey Blay and his team at NYU. Corey is a dedicated and visionary leader, deeply committed to developing a strong pipeline of talent. Through his work with the College & Career Lab (CCL), he has set a high benchmark for success, shaping pathways for students to thrive. His contributions to the Breakthrough and Berkley Scholar communities have been equally impactful, demonstrating his ability to frame and lead initiatives that support students from recruitment all the way to graduation. We are fortunate to be in partnership with someone who truly understands the full journey of student success.