FAMU-FSU College of Engineering alumnus Philip Sylvester will be inducted into the Florida A&M University Sports Hall of Fame on September 26, 2025. Sylvester is recognized for his achievements as a student-athlete and his contributions to both academics and athletics at FAMU.
Sylvester graduated from FAMU’s civil and environmental engineering program while excelling as a running back for the university’s football team. He will join 15 other honorees in the upcoming ceremony, which highlights individuals who have made significant impacts at university, conference, and national levels.
“Being inducted into FAMU’s Sports Hall of Fame alongside some of the greatest athletes of all time is incredible,” Sylvester said. “It’s humbling. However, this honor isn’t just about me. It represents all the amazing individuals who’ve supported me throughout this journey—coaches, professors and teammates who inspired me.”
During his collegiate football career in the 2000s, Sylvester was named a three-time Florida Classic MVP, All-MEAC/All-American player, MEAC Rookie of the Year in 2007, Atlanta Classic MVP in 2007, MEAC All-Academic Team member in 2007, Florida Classic MVP again in 2008, participant in the HBCU All-Star Game in 2010, and captain of the FAMU Football Team. He completed his college football career with nearly 3,000 rushing yards and scored 32 touchdowns while graduating with honors.
Sylvester reflected on one key moment during his athletic career: “The 2010 Florida Classic was a pivotal moment for us,” he said. “We came back to defeat the undefeated BCU Wildcats in one of the most thrilling games of the season! That victory revealed our resilience and earned us a piece of the conference championship. It doesn’t get better than that.”
After briefly signing as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons before graduation but not securing an NFL roster spot, Sylvester transitioned to railroad management. He became general manager at Georgia Southwestern Railroad (GSWR) and manages several short-line railroads across Georgia.
Sylvester spoke about balancing academic responsibilities with athletics: “To be honest, I struggled during football season, and there were a few classes I had to retake,” he explained. “Although I faced challenges…I never gave up because my goal was to earn my engineering degree. I had to remind myself that was why I was there in the first place.”
He credits professors John Sobanjo Ph.D., Clayton Clark Ph.D., Gang Chen Ph.D., and Professor Maxim Dulebenets for their mentorship during his studies: “Their mentorship was invaluable as I navigated both my studies and sports. They taught me the true meaning of resilience in every area of life,” Sylvester said.
Family connections run deep at FAMU for Sylvester; his sister earned her doctorate from FAMU-FSU College of Engineering; his aunt is an associate professor at FAMU; another relative recently received a Doctorate of Pharmacy from FAMU.
Discussing his role managing GSWR operations today: “Every day is filled with excitement and requires a deep understanding of both operations and engineering.” He added: “Just like in football it’s all about teamwork. Our mission is to deliver safe reliable service which is important for our economy.”
Reflecting on choosing FAMU for college education: “FAMU was close to home had a strong football program and offered an ABET-accredited engineering program. Looking back that was one of the best choices I’ve ever made.”
Sylvester’s story illustrates how students can succeed academically while participating competitively in sports programs at historically Black colleges or universities.
