HBCU Living Legend Nian Avery
Honored for excellence in entrepreneurship and community impact.
Mr. Nian Avery was recently honored as an HBCU Living Legend at the esteemed 2025 HBCU Living Legends Scholarship Gala, held at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, NC.
This annual event celebrates the legacy, leadership, and lasting contributions of graduates from North Carolina’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
A proud alumnus of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T), Avery earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1991. He is the son of the late Rev. Dr. Nilous M. Avery, who served as pastor of Hill Street Baptist Church in Asheville for an extraordinary 51 years, and Catherine W. Avery, founder of Avery’s Learning Center. Both parents left enduring legacies of service and leadership that continue to inspire.
Avery’s entrepreneurial journey exemplifies purpose-driven business. In 2017, he founded Avery’s Memorial Chapel in Asheville, marking a significant career shift into the funeral services industry. His work is rooted in compassion and community, offering dignified care to families while creating jobs and strengthening local connections.
At the 2025 Gala, Avery was recognized alongside 32 other distinguished alumni for their outstanding achievements in education, cultural preservation, and entrepreneurship. Each honoree has made meaningful contributions to uplifting communities across North Carolina and beyond.
The HBCU Living Legends Program
The HBCU Living Legends Program celebrates the rich heritage of North Carolina’s HBCUs and their alumni while supporting future leaders. Its core mission is to provide scholarships to students currently enrolled at the state’s 10 HBCUs. Funding is made possible through community donations, corporate sponsorships, and signature initiatives such as the annual Gala.
Beyond scholarships, the program raises awareness of the excellence HBCUs represent by spotlighting alumni who are making a difference locally, nationally, and globally. By honoring individuals like Nian Avery, the program not only commemorates past achievements but also inspires current and future students. Avery’s journey—from student to entrepreneur and community leader—stands as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of HBCU education and service-driven leadership.
