Image caption: Kennesaw State Owls Baseball Head Coach, Ryan Coe, presented D. James Barker with a signed hat after he threw the first pitch vs. Liberty University.
KENNESAW, Ga. — A Henssler Financial Managing Associate, D. James Barker, CWS®, took the mound for a ceremonial first pitch at Kennesaw State University’s game against Liberty University, marking a visible moment in the firm’s ongoing relationship with KSU and its continued support of the university community.
Beginning with the 2026 season, Kennesaw State University baseball will officially call Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field home, marking a new era in Henssler Financial’s support of KSU Athletics.
With a commitment spanning nearly four decades, Pat and Gene Henssler have played a meaningful role in the growth and advancement of Kennesaw State University. Their sustained philanthropic support includes significant contributions toward the university’s baseball program and facilities.
“As always, our commitment to KSU and all it offers is what makes us proud,” said Pat Henssler. “The growth Gene has witnessed since his early days on campus—when he first arrived as a professor of finance, operating in temporary facilities—has been phenomenal. We’re honored that our continued commitment helps ensure students and student-athletes alike have the opportunity to learn, compete, and play in championship-quality facilities.”
Stadium construction was approved by the Board of Regents in September 2023, which included a complete overhaul of KSU’s Stillwell Stadium. Enhancements incorporated improved fencing, expanded seating capacity, new dugouts, updated press and media areas, and upgraded concessions. The stadium is named in honor of Mickey Dunn, a KSU baseball alumnus and generous donor, and offers a seating capacity of 2,500.
The Hensslers’ support of Kennesaw State will continue into 2026 with a donation to the KSU Foundation for The Gap Scholarship. Designed to assist students in their final semester who have exhausted other financial aid options, Gap Scholarships provide KSU seniors with the funding they need to graduate. Most recently, the Hensslers have committed to establishing a scholarship for HOPE recipients majoring in Finance or Accounting. While HOPE Scholarships can cover a significant portion of tuition, many students still face shortfalls for books, fees, and other educational expenses.
Gene Henssler served as a professor of finance at Kennesaw State from 1986 to 1996 and now holds the title of Professor Emeritus of Finance. He later founded Henssler Financial, a financial planning and money management firm. The Kennesaw-based firm has employed numerous KSU graduates and provides valuable internship opportunities to current students.
About Henssler Financial
With assets under advisement of approximately $3.81 billion as of December 31, 2025, Henssler Financial has been delivering comprehensive financial solutions to its individual, corporate, and institutional clients for nearly 40 years. Founded in 1987 by Gene W. Henssler, Ph.D., Henssler Financial provides solutions that incorporate a range of services, including wealth management, financial planning, tax preparation and consulting, small-business retirement planning, and estate planning. The firm podcast, “Henssler Money Talks,” is available on all major platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and at HensslerMoneyTalks.com.
The Certified Wealth Strategist® (CWS®) designation is administered by Cannon Financial Institute. The CWS® program is a comprehensive study of key wealth management issues impacting affluent and high-net-worth clients. The CWS® Board of Standards awards credentials to individuals who successfully complete initial and ongoing certification requirements.
More information on Henssler Financial can be found on the firm’s website, www.henssler.com, including important disclosures regarding Henssler Financial and its businesses.
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Media Contact: Kelly-Lynne Scalice · kscalice@henssler.com · 678-797-3781
G.W. Henssler & Associates, Ltd., is a federally registered investment adviser, d/b/a Henssler Financial.
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