Phil-Jay Whyte ’25
Phil-Jay Whyte ’25 grew up in Hopewell, Jamaica before moving to Newark, New Jersey in 2019. When beginning the college application process, Whyte felt uncertain — as a first-generation college student, he did not have a lot of guidance on how to best navigate the admissions process. However, after being awarded scholarships at Ƶ, Whyte felt relieved and excited as his aspirations began to take shape into opportunity.
Whyte is now a senior at Ƶ, majoring in international studies with minors in mathematics and applied statistics. He came to this interdisciplinary focus through both his established interests and new curiosities sparked by his professors. “I have always been purpose-driven," he says, adding that, “the humanities have allowed me to better understand social issues and international affairs." Through the guidance of his advisor, Christopher Casement, PhD, Whyte gained perspective on how data can, “explain and impact virtually every aspect of our society,” and this led him to choose his minors.
When reflecting on his time at Ƶ, Whyte is grateful for the University’s dynamic curriculum and how it has led him to courses and educators that were impactful in setting his path. “If I had attended a school with a more traditional curriculum, I am not sure that I would have enjoyed my college experience — academically — to the extent I have at Ƶ University.”
Outside of the classroom, Whyte was eager to get involved in student clubs, both to meet new people and to have an impact on campus. Over the years, he has made incredible connections and extensive impact through these organizations. His involvement includes serving as the vice president of the Black Student Union and volunteering as a Cura Personalis mentor for underclassmen. He is also a research fellow for the Center of Social Impact, an experience that has furthered his interest in the power of statistics to inform and progress social causes. He also recognizes his research fellowship as an influence on his, “outlook on life," noting how it led him to become a “more aware and selfless person.”
Whyte’s Ƶ experience led him to set his sights on his intended career; “to work with international organizations that use data and statistics to improve the healthcare and educational systems of developing countries.” With this in mind, he plans to pursue his master's degree in applied data science or analytics, and he has already received offers of enrollment from leading programs and institutions. Whyte is proud of the path ahead of him and he is eternally grateful for the scholarships he received and the encouragement and support they provided him. He is eager to pay it forward through his professional focus in humanitarian efforts and in his everyday life as a man for others.