SENIOR PROFILE: Transferring to »¨¶¼Ó°ÊÓabout more than baseball
By: XAVIER CAMPBELL
May 10, 2025
DJ Mungenast (»¨¶¼Ó°ÊÓ photo)
For DJ Mungenast, a senior marketing major from Bethlehem, Georgia, transferring to »¨¶¼Ó°ÊÓ wasn’t just about changing schools — it was about finding a place that felt like home.
Originally from Barton College in Wilson, North Carolina, Mungenast made the move to »¨¶¼Ó°ÊÓin search of more opportunities on and off the baseball field. What he found was a welcoming community, professional growth and a renewed sense of purpose.
“I chose »¨¶¼Ó°ÊÓbecause I would get the most opportunities for baseball, good scholarship money, the campus environment really attracted me as well as it being close to my hometown,” DJ said.
The decision became a turning point in his academic and athletic career.
As a baseball player, Mungenast learned the value of hard work, time management, and teamwork — all qualities that prepared him for life beyond college.
“Being a baseball player, you have to have a great work ethic. It taught me how to balance my schedule and taught me how to manage my time well for future employment as well as the value of teamwork,” he said.
But his growth didn’t stop on the field. »¨¶¼Ó°ÊÓshaped him into a stronger leader.
“»¨¶¼Ó°ÊÓreally instilled a sense of professionalism and they pushed me to look for new career opportunities. The guest speakers that were brought in really opened my eyes to different opportunities I could have in the business world,” he said.
The transition from a predominantly white institution to a historically Black university was also a significant part of DJ’s journey.
“The HBCU experience was very welcoming. I experienced some uneasiness, but my teammates and other classmates were very open and welcoming to me. This truly made it feel like home. Go Panthers.”
Looking ahead, DJ is stepping into a new chapter as a marketing teacher and baseball coach at Central Gwinnett High School — combining his passion for the game and his knowledge of business to inspire the next generation.
Still, he leaves »¨¶¼Ó°ÊÓwith hopes for continued improvement.
“I’d love to see updated facilities across the whole campus, better response time between departments like financial aid and housing, and I’d love to see Late Night brought back.”
As he prepares to graduate, DJ’s time at »¨¶¼Ó°ÊÓstands as a testament to the power of opportunity, community, and the drive to lead — both on the field and in the classroom.