Philip Sylvester, a civil engineering alumnus of the joint FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, poses with a locomotive at Georgia Southwestern Railroad, where he works as a general manager, in Dawson, Georgia. Sylvester, a former running back for the FAMU football team, is being inducted into the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame. (Scott Holstein/FAMU-FSU College of Engineering)
Philip Sylvester, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering graduate and former football standout, will be inducted into the 2025 FAMU Sports Hall of FAME, honoring his rise from HBCU student-athlete to leadership in the railroad industry.
FAMU-FSU Engineering alumnus Philip Sylvester, affectionately known as “Philly Phil,” “Dirty Thirty,” and the “Jackson County Jet,” could very well make history when he is inducted into the 2025 FAMU Sports Hall of Fame in just a few weeks.
Sylvester graduated from Florida A&M University’s civil and environmental engineering program at the joint FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. He will be recognized for his extraordinary achievements both on and off the field.
Historic September 26 Induction Ceremony
On September 26, 2025, Sylvester will join a distinguished class of 15 elite honorees recognized for their contributions and record-breaking performances at the 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 as he reflected on the prestigious honor. “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.”
Inductee for FAMU Football Hall of Fame 2025
Philip Sylvester/Football: Three-time Florida Classic MVP/All-MEAC/All-American 2007 MEAC Rookie of the Year, 2007 Atlanta Classic MVP, 2007 MEAC All-Academic Team. 2008 Florida Classic MVP, 2010 HBCU All-Star Game, FAMU Football Team Captain. 2,998 career rushing yards and 32 TDs. Graduated with honors in engineering.
Defining Moments on the Field
While studying hard to become an engineer, Sylvester made waves as a FAMU football star, dazzling crowds as a running back in his iconic #30 jersey. His impressive speed and agility earned him the nickname “the Jackson County Jet,” a tribute to his cherished roots in Marianna, Florida, where his family has deep ties dating back to 1850.
When asked about his most unforgettable experience on the field, Sylvester’s eyes lit up with excitement. “The 2010 Florida Classic was a pivotal moment for us,” he confessed. “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.”
From NFL Dreams to Railroad Leadership
Before graduating, Sylvester took a bold step by signing on as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons, hoping to make a mark in the NFL. However, when that opportunity didn’t pan out, he didn’t let it hold him back.
Immediately after graduation, Sylvester pivoted and channeled his talents from the football field into a new arena: the railroad industry. With determination, engineering expertise and natural leadership abilities, he became the general manager of Georgia Southwestern Railroad (GSWR) and several short-line railroads throughout Georgia, proving that with resilience, new paths can lead to exciting adventures.
Balancing HBCU Student-Athlete Excellence
Sylvester’s journey in engineering education wasn’t always easy. It required him to skillfully manage the demanding responsibilities of academics and athletics—a challenge many HBCU student-athletes face.
“To be honest, I struggled during football season, and there were a few classes I had to retake,” he explained. “Although I faced challenges, especially during the season, 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.”
Sylvester developed lifelong relationships at the joint college, particularly with supportive professors like John Sobanjo, Ph.D., Clayton Clark, Ph.D. and Gang Chen Ph.D., who played a crucial role in his academic journey. “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.
He recently contacted the college’s Professor Maxim Dulebenets to discuss collaborating on issues related to his railway job. “While nothing has materialized yet, I hope to work together in the future,” said Sylvester, noting that Dulebenets is an expert in supply chains and operations research.
Building a Legacy: The FAMU Family Connection
FAMU holds a special place in Sylvester’s heart beyond academics and athletics. “I met my wonderful wife here while she was studying nursing. Now we’re blessed with a beautiful family, including a daughter and two sons,” he shared with pride.
The Sylvester legacy of success at the university extends throughout his family. His sister Siera Sylvester, Ph.D., earned her doctorate in civil engineering from the joint college, and Philip’s aunt, Marilyn Weatherspoon Ph.D., is an associate professor in the School of Allied Health Sciences at FAMU. His cousin, Taylor Arnold, PharmD, earned a Doctor of Pharmacy from FAMU in spring 2024.
Engineering Career Success in Railroad Management
As the general manager of GSWR, Sylvester talked about his love for his job, saying, “Every day is filled with excitement and requires a deep understanding of both operations and engineering.”
He continued, “Just like in football, it’s all about teamwork. Our mission is to deliver safe, reliable service, which is important for our economy.”
HBCU Engineering Excellence: A Winning Choice
As Sylvester prepares for his Hall of Fame induction, he thoughtfully reflects on his decision to attend FAMU, stating, “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.”
His success story exemplifies the value of HBCU engineering education and the career pathways available to graduates who leverage both their technical training and leadership experience gained through athletics.
Editor’s Note: This article was edited with a custom prompt for Claude Sonnet 4, an AI assistant created by Anthropic. The AI optimized the article for SEO discoverability, improved clarity, structure and readability while preserving the original reporting and factual content. All information and viewpoints remain those of the author and publication. This article was edited and fact-checked by college staff before being published. This disclosure is part of our commitment to transparency in our editorial process. Last edited: 09/25/25.
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