Merit Scholar Plans Future Beyond the Lab to Athletics

Christian Emonina arrived at Alabama A&M University focused on biology, but it was his deep involvement in student life and athletics that helped chart a new course – one that may soon take him courtside in the world of professional sports. The graduating senior from Mobile, Alabama is now preparing for a career in sports administration.

“In a new role, I hope to hone my skills in event coordination, project management, marketing, and collaboration,” said Emonina. “All skills that I was able to unlock during my time here on The Hill.”

A recipient of the AAMU Merit Scholarship, Emonina immersed himself in campus life from the start. He joined the Honors Program as a freshman and served as student equipment manager for the 2021 Spring SWAC Champion football team. That early connection to athletics sparked an interest that grew over time.

His sophomore year, he joined the University Student Echo Ambassadors, a role that deepened his appreciation for AAMU’s rich heritage. By junior year, he had become a familiar face in the Office of Student Activities & Leadership Development. Emonina went on to serve as Senator of Athletics and office assistant in 2022–23, and as Escort to Miss Sophomore in 2023–24.

“My role as Senator of Athletics and my work in Fan Experience really influenced my decision to change career routes,” he said. “The peak of my involvement came in Spring 2024 when I became an initiate of the Gamma Phi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. I was then voted unanimously as the Chapter’s Polemarch by my line.”

As he prepares to graduate, Emonina says what he’ll miss most is the camaraderie and support of the AAMU community. “I will miss their belief in me to succeed – even when I didn't believe in myself,” he shared. “And I’ll miss the endless support. When my friends show up, they truly show out. I guess I won’t miss them too much, though – we’ll definitely keep in touch.”

He credits the University’s supportive environment for helping him succeed, even during uncertain times. “I chose AAMU because the staff went above and beyond to make sure my transition from high school to college was smooth,” said Emonina. “During the pandemic, when other schools were shutting down, Alabama A&M was still making sure I had everything I needed, including the right financial aid.”

Looking ahead, Emonina says his ultimate goal is to become an athletic director, ideally at an HBCU like Alabama A&M. “Every aspect of HBCU culture is important to me – the community, the students, the faculty, the staff,” he said. “An AD’s job is to keep all of their interests in mind and cultivate a winning program. I’m inspired by the challenge of building a powerhouse in the NIL era and competing with larger schools. Who says AAMU can’t be a major force in intercollegiate athletics?”

When asked about lessons learned during his time on The Hill, Emonina didn’t hesitate. “Take your losses to the chin,” he said. “Every loss is a lesson. What defines you is how you react to it. Will you give up, or will you learn and move forward?”

As for whether he’ll be back on campus after graduation – his plans are already made. “I’ve already booked my room for Homecoming. I really do love my HBCU. It wasn’t easy finding a place, but it’ll be worth it. And yes – I’ll definitely keep in touch with my friends, professors, and mentors. This place is home.”